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Few wine experiences linger in memory as vividly as a day spent at Elvi Wines and Clos Mesorah in Montsant and Priorat Spain. My wife Sara and I had the privilege of an extraordinary visit — a masterclass in hospitality and winemaking — hosted by Moises and Anna Cohen. The rain, relentless throughout the day, provided a dramatic backdrop to what turned out to be one of the most enriching vineyard experiences I’ve ever encountered.

Nestled in the Montsant hills, Clos Mesorah is a gem of a winery. Moises Cohen, a scientist from Casablanca, Morocco. At the age of 17, he moved to Israel to study agricultural engineering at the Technion in Haifa and later ended up in Catalonia, Spain, working in agriculture and water management. “This new vineyard is the labratory I always wanted, it really brings together both of my passions,” Cohen mused.

What struck me most about our nearly seven-hour visit was the passion and warmth of the Cohen family. Moises, whose expertise lies in viticulture and biodynamics, is as captivating as the vineyards he tends. But the true revelation of the day was Anna Cohen, originally from Toulouse, France, an artist and qualified sommelier. Soft-spoken yet fiercely knowledgeable, Anna’s winemaking is the soul of Elvi. Her mastery shines through in every glass, her meticulous approach translating into wines that are as complex as they are elegant. While she doesn’t speak English, her passion and artistry transcend language barriers.

Moises & Anna’s curated tasting lineup was nothing short of extraordinary, offering a glimpse into the evolution and potential of Elvi Wines. Here are the highlights:

2018 Clos Mesorah Sublim

This wine is a bold evolution for the brand. The heavy oak on the nose lends itself to layers of ripe black and red fruit, sweet vanilla, and warming spices. The oak is very apparent, both in the nose and taste. The palate is rich and velvety, with acidity tempering the opulence, making it a wine that has a long way to go. As it opened up over several hours, the integration of flavors became a revelation. Sublim is aptly named — a wine that promises greatness with time. I’m excited to see where it goes.

2021 Clos Mesorah

This latest vintage of the flagship Clos Mesorah is a tour de force. The blend of Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah offers an exquisite balance of ripe fruit, earthiness, and a touch of umami. Clos Menorah has unique nose, with overripe blackberry forward. Assertive tannins and bright acidity make this wine both approachable and age-worthy. Still young, can’t wait to taste it as it ages in the bottle.

2014 Clos Mesorah (Vertical Tasting)

The vertical tasting of the 2014 and 2022 vintages highlighted the evolution of Clos Mesorah. The 2014 has softened with time, revealing a mosaic of dried fruit, smoke, and earth. It’s a wine that whispers its story rather than shouts it, showcasing the rewards of patience.

2022 Siblings by Mesorah

This wine is extremely approachable, even now. Designed and created by Cohen siblings David and Leah, this mevushal wine blends accessibility with sophistication. I would call it a young Clos Menorah, still boasting a lot of that same dark black fruit and a tinge of umami. Crafted from Grenache and Carignan, it offers bright fruit flavors and a fresh finish, making it a versatile choice for both casual dining and celebrations, think of it as a sophisticated simcha wine.

As the rain poured outside, the warmth of the Cohens’ hospitality enveloped us. The tasting extended late into the evening, followed by a cozy dinner filled with laughter and conversation.

If you're in

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In Episode #21, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath discuss their visit to the Kosher Food & Wine Experience (KFWE) in Miami, one of Royal Wine's annual tasting events, run by WIZO in Miami. They talk about their favorite aspects of the event and the wines and food.

Kenny & Rabbi Bernath put the podcast on pause to check out Four Gates Winery's annual sale, the prices, the limited availability, and the greatness of Benyo.

Kenny and Rabbi Yisroel talk about wines they have had over the last week, including:
Shimon & Co., Tsolikouri, 2021
Dalton, Vermouth, Extra Dry
Binah, New Jersey, Cabernet Franc, 2020
Pavillon Du Vieux Chantre, Pusseguin Saint-Emilion, 2022

They discuss Israel, Israeli wines, and eternal hopes for shalom/peace.

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In this inaugural episode of the Spain Series, Sara and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath reflect on their fascinating journey to Celler de Capçanes, a historic winery nestled in the heart of the Montsant region of Spain. 

The episode begins with an exploration of the region's breathtaking landscape and the history of the Capçanes winery, which dates back over 500 years. The focus shifts to their kosher wines, crafted with meticulous care despite being a tiny fraction of the winery's overall production. Rabbi Bernath and Sara reflect on their tour with Jürgen Wagner, the winery's visionary winemaker, who shared insights into the vineyards, the terroir, and the labor of love behind their kosher wine journey.

Listeners are taken to the vineyards, where Jürgen discusses how the unique Montsant landscape influences the character of the wines. The episode also touches on the impact of the phylloxera plague that shaped the region's winemaking history, as Jürgen provides a vivid narrative during a drive through the area.

The episode concludes with a sit-down tasting session with Jürgen Wagner at the winery, where the Bernaths sample Capçanes' newest kosher offerings—the Peraj Petita White and Peraj Petita Rosé. This engaging conversation delves into Jürgen's personal connection to the winery, his passion for kosher winemaking, and the artistry that brings these exceptional wines to life.

Through captivating storytelling and a behind-the-scenes look at Capçanes, this episode celebrates the intersection of wine, history, and Jewish tradition, offering a rich and flavorful start to the Spain Series.

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In Episode #19, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath have a wide-ranging conversation about wines they have recently enjoyed, lots of current events in the wine world, and drink two wines and discuss: the Dalton, Asufa, Grounded, Zuriman, 2023 and the Einat, Lonely Cat, Petit Verdot, 2020.

Rabbi Bernath talks about two other wines he has had recently: Eola Hills, Pinot Noir, 2021 and Le Grand Secret, Sancerre, 2023. 

Kenny talks about the Camuna Winery in  Philadephia, orange wines including the GRW, Rkatsiteli, Qvevri Collection, Orange Wine, 2022, and the Shirah, Albarino, Orange, 2023.

They discuss Feldstein Winery and new offerings from Avi Feldstein as well as the topic of wine pricing.

But that's just the very basic premise of this new podcast, as Kenny and Rabbi touch on all sorts of topics, shooting from the hip and enjoying wine together as two friends.

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In Episode #18, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath welcome Amichai Lourie, winemaker of Israel's Shiloh Winery since its founding in 2005. Just having opened the new winery and visitor center a month ago, now is the time to visit and support Shiloh Winery and all of the incredible wines of Israel.

Listen in as this wide-ranging discussion goes from the intricacies of Amichai's winemaking to the deep difficulties and emotion of making wine in Israel during the war of the past year plus, as Israel defends its land and people from murderous enemies.

Amichai pours his passion into Shiloh Winery, and as the face behind his wines, they have become world-renowned in just two decades' time.

If you would like to donate to One Israel Fund, the link can be found here: https://oneisraelfund.org/

Shiloh Winery can be found at: https://www.shilohwinery.com/

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In Episode #17, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath have a wide-ranging conversation about wines they have recently enjoyed over the Jewish holidays, as well as some recent international wine trends.

Kenny brings up the topic of a recent study showing internationally, still red wine sales have fallen dramatically, while sales of white, Rosé, sparkling, and interestingly, low-alcohol and non-alcoholic wines have risen. They discuss how this might affect the kosher world.

Kenny discusses the following four wines:
Château de Parsac, Montagne Saint-Émilion, 2022
Château Jaumard, Bordeaux, 2022
Gehring, Roter Hang, Trocken, Riesling, 2022
Solar Das Bouças, Vinho Verde, Alvarinho, 2022

Rabbi Bernath discusses the following three wines:
Château Alvignes, Cahors, Malbec, 2016 
Château Signac, Chusclan, Rosé, 2022 
Guy Eshel Wines, Grenache, 2020

Kenny and Rabbi Bernath discuss Rosé, with Kenny saying he generally always prefers white and Rabbi saying he really loves Rosé. They discuss the methods of Rosé winemaking.

They chat about Rabbi Bernath's appearance on Matty Matheson's show on Vice called "Dead Set on Life." The episode can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ynxrgz88GkY

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In Episode #16, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath reveal their Rosh Hashanah 5785 picks.

Featuring all Israeli wines for the New Year, in support of the wineries, winemakers, and workers of our homeland, Kenny and Rabbi Bernath discuss the importance of this idea.

Rabbi Bernath chose wines from the categories of whites, Rosé, reds, and one dessert wine, explaining the reasons for their picks.

Tura, Mountain Vista Snow, White Wine, 2023
Gush Etzion, Rosé, 2023
Maia, Mare Nostrum, 2019
Odem Mountain, Alfasi, Special Edition, 2018

Kenny's picks were:

Agur, La'yam, Blanc, 2023
Nana, Chenin Blanc, 2023
Golan Heights Winery, yarden, Brut Rosé, 2018
Tabor, 1/11000, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019
Carmel, Limited Edition, 2010
Carmel, Vintage, 2007

Dr. Kenny Friedman & Rabbi Yisroel Bernath discuss the various regions of Israel and what makes Israeli wine special. They talk about prior visits to Israeli wineries, meeting the individuals who pour their heart and soul into these wines.

They note that this episode marks the end of the calendar year and discuss several ideas for upcoming shows. 

Kenny & Rabbi Yisroel wish all of our listeners a shana tova, a ketiva v'ketima tova, a happy and healthy New Year.

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In Episode #15, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath welcome Josh Rynderman, owner and winemaker of South Africa’s ESSA Winery.

Joshua Rynderman is a man brimming with audacious energy evident in his easy smile but even more so in his craft. Joshua has built the young ESSA winery of South Africa following training under master boutique winemaker, Benyamin Cantz, of the fabled Four Gates Winery of Santa Cruz, CA. 

In this episode, we taste through four Essa Wines: 
Essa, Liv & Luv, Western Cape, Rose, 2024
Essa, Altira, Cape South Coast, 2023
Essa, Franschook, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022
Essa, Emunah, Hemel en Aarde Ridge, 2020

Josh discusses the origins and winemaking behind each of these wines. Dr. Kenny Friedman & Rabbi Yisroel Bernath ask Josh about his wine journey and the origin of his South African winery. They cover wide-ranging topics, including climate, terroir, and starting a new winery in the current landscape. Josh talks about his desire to bring his wine to as many people as possible and adding a third kosher certification to his wines. Josh tells Kenny & Rabbi Yisroel his overarching philosophy of making wine “l’sheim mitzvah” and for the ability of people to make kiddush over his wine.

Kenny & Rabbi Yisroel ask Josh about his vision for the future and thank him for joining their podcast as a special guest.

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On Episode 14, Dr. Kenneth Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath welcome a very special guest, Vered Ben Saadon of Tura Estate Winery. Tura Represents the resurgence of the ancient vineyards of Samaria, the Shomron, Planted by our ancestors thousands of years ago. Vered and Erez Ben Saadon embody the spirit of modern Israel and a return to our homeland. 

They discuss how Tura began out of necessity over two decades ago, and how Tura Estate has grown to a winery producing a quarter of a million bottles a year.

Vered tells the fascinating history of her family, both as Holocaust survivors and as collaborators, her parents' return to Judaism, and aliyah to Israel.

Kenny and Rabbi Yisroel discuss with Vered the current state of the war and how it has affected Tura and the Ben Saadon family, with many seen miracles. 

Vered stresses the need, more than ever, to buy Israeli wine, to support the winemakers, and to visit Israel.

Tura Estate Winery can be found at turawinery.com

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In Episode #13, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath welcome Kevin Danna, owner and winemaker of Binah Winery, Allentown, Pennsylvania.

First, they delve into what is in their respective glasses, with Kevin drinking the new Cabernet Franc Reserve and Kenny drinking the Merlot, 2022.

They discuss Kevin's winemaking origin story and his fateful journey from landscape engineer to winemaker, beginning in Pinnacle Ridge Winery before starting his own winery. Danna discusses his background in sparkling wine, always Kenny's favorite, in this case, the 2021 Blanc de Blancs. Kevin takes the listener through each step of the process.

Danna speaks about his philosophy in winemaking and the different style he brings to winemaking in a cool climate region, unique to the kosher world. He discusses his path to kosher wine and the ability to use wine to bring people together.

The conversation covers topics such as the production and growth of Binah, the choice of varietals and blends, and the challenges for a boutique winery. They discuss the benefits of the Binah Winery Club, which is direct to customer, with no cost to join, unlimited free shipping, and great discounts. Binah wines can be purchased directly from the winery at binahwinery.com and Wine Club info can be found at binahwinery.com/club.

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