WINES OF EASTER AND PASSOVER
The World is celebrating Passover and Easter with great wines of today, but what were those wines of 2,000 years ago. Obviously there were NO varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay to enjoy. Water was not typically consumed since it was so laden with disease carriers. Water was mostly used for cooking so wines were very important in day-to-day living. Wines were made from grapes with much lower sugars than those grapes of today. As a result, those wines had alcohol levels of 5 – 7% compared to today’s wines at 14+% alcohol levels. Yester-year’s wines were not good tasting as compared to today’s wines. The native yeasts of 2,000 years ago only converted sugars to alcohol with no enhancements to tastes. Ancient wines also contained large amounts of solids and were cloudy. Furthermore, those wines were haphazardly stored in clay pots with loose fitting clay tops. Those old storage vessels allowed wines to sour with some turning to vinegar. However, those old wines were looked upon as a life source because they did not convey disease!
We have much to be thankful for today with our refined winemaking techniques, storage facilities, and distribution. Today’s wines are also easily available with stores in our area bringing in wines from all over the world, many with very reasonable pricing. In Texas, we can go to our local H.E.B, Kroger’s, SPECs, Total Wines,and other stores to select wines to go with the foods we select for our meals, including the feasts of Passover and Easter. Interesting enough, the International Wine Competition in Verona, Italy a decade ago determined that the best winery in the world this year was Golan Heights Winery out of Israel. These Golan Heights Kosher Wines can be found all over Houston. I remember growing up, with my Mom sharing her very sweet Manischewitz wine mixed with club soda to make it a “sparkler!” The times have changed! What makes a wine a Kosher Wine? The same as what makes food a Kosher Food! A Rabbi is in constant charge of the wine-making process to certify there is no cross-contamination between the Kosher Wine and those non-Kosher items! Same with Kosher Foods.
My Easter Sunday brunch will feature a great Texas white wine, Becker Viognier. This fruity wine should pair with the Spring-oriented foods for this Easter/Passover Season. Whatever your Faith, may you have a Blessed Week filled with great wines!
Vineyards 101
Since its inception in 1986, Newsom Grape Day has emerged as a vital event for the Texas wine industry, attracting growers, wineries, and industry professionals from across Texas and beyond. Generously hosted by Neal Newsom, this event features speakers who delve into topics such as grape cultivation, expanding wine businesses, and emerging industry trends. His free event is open to all with an interest in the Texas wine industry. Newsom Grape Day is held annually at Newsom Vineyards, 1611 State Highway 2196, Plains, Texas 79355. If you want more information, please contact me at [email protected] or call Neal Newsom, 806-456-7885.
