Kosher Wine Podcast

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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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n this episode, Dr. Kenny Friedman and Rabbi Yisroel Bernath have a wide-ranging conversation about wines they have recently enjoyed, a wine-tasting comparing similar wines from different regions, and many other topics.

In the first episode since Shavuos, Kenny highlights three different bubblies, each at different price points, and from different regions. The Bonnet-Ponson, the Koenig Cremant, and the Matar Blanc de Noirs. Rabbi Bernath talks about a special wine tasting held with Jay Buchsbaum of Royal Wine in Montreal. One example of wines they paired up was the Chateau Pontet-Canet 2021 vs. the Alfasi Odem Mountain 2018. Kenny and Rabbi Bernath discuss the much-maligned 2021 Bordeaux vintage. The situation in the North of Israel is discussed and the fact that it should be present in the minds of all people.

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In the highly anticipated Shavuos (or is it Shavuot?) White Wine Pick episode, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman choose wines five price categories: Under $15, $15 to $25, $25-$35, $35-$45, and over $45. 

Rabbi Yisroel Bernath & Dr. Kenny Friedman in turn surprise and delight each other with their picks. They discuss the lack of appreciation for white wines, oak's influence on white wines, the proper serving temperature for whites, as well as when a white wine can age.

Kenny's Picks:
Recanati, Yasmin, White, 2023
Goose Bay, Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc, 2023
Hagafen, Dry Riesling, 2023
Binah, Blanc de Blanc, Sparkling Wine, 2021
Carmel, Late Harvest, Single Vineyard, Gewürztraminer, 2019

Yisroel's Picks:
Elvi, Vina Encina, Blanco, 2022
Snow Ridge, Cold Climate, Vidal Icewine, 2020
Hajdu, Pinot Blanc, 2023
Domaine Guillerault-Fargette, Sancerre, 2022
Ya'acov Oryah, A Spark in Silence, Blanc de Blanc, 2017

The hosts again mention that they appreciate feedback and questions and want to hear your picks in each price category.

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In Episode #10, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman welcome Jon Hajdu, winemaker for Covenant Wines of Berkeley, California, and his own eponymous label, Hajdu Wines. 

They discuss Jon’s winemaking origin story and his fateful journey from NY to California and Australia in between, and from being an archaeology and pre-med major at SUNY Albany to making his own first wine in 2005 to being named a Wine Enthusiast magazine “40 Under 40” winemaker in 2018. 

Hajdu speaks about his philosophy in winemaking and the different style he brings to both Covenant and Hajdu wines.

Known for his whimsical labels, Hajdu credits his wife, Ellie, and her artistry. He mentions new wines and ideas coming soon. 

Hajdu talks about his “mevushalizer” invention which he has been working to perfect in small batch flash pasteurization and the effects of mevushal on wine – both short and long term. Additionally, he gives insight into the choices of cork for his wines and their ability to keep wine fresh.

The conversation covers topics such as the production and growth of Covenant and Hajdu wines, the decision-making process for the Besomim blend, the marketability of Zinfandel, and the future release of Alicante Bouschet.

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In this conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman talk about an oft-overlooked aspect of every wine bottle: the enclosure. 

First, they introduce a new segment as Rabbi Bernath reads a wine label and Kenny is left to guess which bottle it is.

They then introduce the main topic, first discussing some of the history of cork and its geographical implications. 

They discuss each of the enclosures used for wine, including natural cork, synthetic cork, agglomerated cork such as Diam, Vinolok, crowns, and screw caps. They discuss the pros and cons of each enclosure and some of the myths attached.

They tackle the issue of TCA, which causes the wine fault of cork taint, and comes from a contaminant inside the cork which can affect over 3% of all wines enclosed by cork.

Lastly, they talk about an interesting wine they enjoyed over the last week. Kenny discusses the Binah, Blanc de Blancs, 2021, and Yisroel talks about the Jezreel, Icon, 2018.

The hosts mention that they love feedback and questions and leave open the possibility of mentioning people’s names on air should they choose.

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In this conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman invite their first guests, and chat with rockstar winemaker brothers Gabriel and Shimon Weiss of Shirah Wine, of course all while enjoying a glass of Shirah wine.

They discuss the origins of Shirah Wine and their journey in winemaking. The conversation covers topics such as the production, growth of the winery, the decision-making process for blends, the market for white wines, the importance of labels and packaging, and the ageability of their wines.

Gabriel and Shimon discuss the readiness of wines to drink and the aging process. They explain that every wine is ready to drink, but the aging process can enhance or change the flavors. They also discuss the challenges of winemaking, including financial and logistical aspects, particularly for kosher wine. They mention their influences in winemaking and their plans for the future, including the possibility of producing lower-cost wines.

Takeaways
---Shirah Wine's first vintage was in 2009 and has grown from producing 300 cases to 3000 cases per vintage.
---The winery focuses on Rhône varietals but also explores new and interesting grape varieties.
---The decision-making process for blends is flexible and depends on the vineyards and the desired outcome.
---Shirah Wine aims to offer a diverse portfolio of wines to excite customers and maintain brand excitement.
---The labels and packaging of Shirah Wine are designed by Gabe's sister and feature creative and humorous elements.
---Shirah Wine believes in the ageability of their wines and recommends cellaring certain bottles for future enjoyment. Every wine is ready to drink, but the aging process can enhance or change the flavors.
---The challenges of winemaking include financial and logistical aspects.
---Gabriel and Shimon have been influenced by winemakers such as Jonathan Hajdu, Jeff Morgan, Joe Hurliman, and Craig Winchell.
---They plan to continue producing high-quality wines and may explore the possibility of producing lower-cost wines in the future.
---They encourage listeners to support small wineries and express their gratitude for the support they have received.

Find out more about Shirah Wines and become part of their wine club at https://www.shirahwine.com/

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In the first post-Passover chat, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman discuss their experiences during the Passover holiday and their mutual enjoyment of the Dalton Pet Nat wine. They explore the interesting process of Pét-Nat, or Pétillant Naturel, a sparkling wine made through a single fermentation process right in the bottle. They discuss the history and origins of Pét-Nat and its refreshing and fun characteristics. They also touch on the unique quality of Israeli Pét-Nat and the potential for Israeli winemakers to excel in this style. They answer a fan question on the bracha over cognac and brandy and the conversation concludes with a discussion on the significance of kavana (intention) in winemaking and the enjoyment of receiving feedback from listeners.

Takeaways
---Pét-Nat is a sparkling wine made through a single fermentation process in the bottle.
---Israeli winemakers have the potential to excel in producing Pét-Nats due to the country's climate and the preferences of the young and energetic population.
---Dalton Pét-Nat is a unique and enjoyable wine that stands out during the Passover holiday.
---Kavana, or intention, plays a significant role in winemaking and can be tasted in the final product.

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