FAQs
What makes a wine kosher?
From grape crushing onwards, it needs to conform to the following:
- A Sabbath-observing Jew to handle the process. Often, the supervisor turns out to be the winemaker. Not exactly “hands-on” but today’s orthodoxy has produced wine-savvy individuals working harmoniously with the winemaker and his needs.
- Each and every ingredient added, whether in filtration or clarification along the vinification process must be kosher.
- All tools and equipment must be dedicated to kosher winemaking alone
What does mevushal mean and which of your wines are mevushal?
There are two types of kosher wine–non-mevushal, your basic kosher wine, and mevushal, fit for the most orthodox wine lover. Non-mevushal wines must be produced, handled and even served by Sabbath Observant Jews in order to be kosher. Mevushal wines go through an additional step, flash pasteurization, in which the wines are subjected to heat during the winemaking process but are not boiled, contrary to popular belief. This process originated from ancient times when wine was once used by pagans for idolatrous worship. By pasteurizing the wines, they were considered unfit for pagan worship and should satisfy the most orthodox Jew. As a result, mevushal wines may be handled by non-Jews and remain kosher.
Wine Terms
Acidity
One of the main structural components of wine, acidity adds a refreshing quality and helps to preserve character. Present to some degree in all grapes in the form of tartaric, citric, malic or lactic acid.
Aftertaste
The sensation a wine leaves in the mouth after swallowing (same as finish).
Alcohol
A compound in wine that results from the interaction between yeast and the natural sugar in grapes during fermentation. The percentage of alcohol by volume in a table wine typically ranges from 7-14%.
Appellation
Defines the official geographic origin of a wine.
Aroma
The smell of a wine.
Astringency
An element found mainly in red wine, characterized by a mouth-drying sensation attributable to tannin level.
Balance
The relationship between acid, tannin, alcohol and sugar in a wine. When these elements are in harmony and one does not overpower the others, a wine is said to be “well balanced.”
Barrel-Aged
Refers to a wine that undergoes a period of maturation in a wooden barrel following fermentation.
Barrel-Fermented
Refers to a wine that is fermented, partially or fully, in a wooden barrel.
Body
A wine’s weight on the palate, typically described as light, medium or full.
Botrytis Cinerea
Also referred to as “noble rot,” this beneficial mold draws moisture out of grapes, concentrating sugars and flavors. Affected grapes are often used to make opulent dessert wines.
Bouquet
As a wine matures, its aromas tend to develop more complexity and are referred to as bouquet. Also used to refer to the smell of a wine that has been aged in oak.
Brut
The driest style of Champagne or sparkling wine.
Decant
Refers to the careful transfer of wine from the bottle to another container in order to aerate or to separate the wine from its sediment.
Dry
A descriptor used for a wine that lacks perceptible sweetness.
Enologist
Winemaker. Also oenologist.
Estate-Bottled
Refers to a wine that is bottled by the owner(s) of the vineyard or vineyards in which the grapes were grown.
Fermentation
A natural biological process during which active yeasts transform the sugar in grape juice into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Finish
The sensation a wine leaves in the mouth after swallowing (same as aftertaste).
Fortified Wine
A wine to which a spirit has been added, either to raise the level of alcohol or to halt fermentation in order to maintain a natural sweetness.
Hectare
A metric measurement that is equal to 2.471 acres.
Late-Harvest Wine
A wine made from extra-ripe grapes picked late in the season, which result in a sweet character in the finished product.
Lees
Sediment from yeast cells, seeds, skins and pulp that fall to the bottom of the container during fermentation. Extended contact between the wine and the lees during fermentation and aging contributes additional flavors, aromas and character to the finished wine.
Length
A term that describes a wine that leaves a sustained impression in the mouth.
Maceration
A period of contact between grape juice and solids during which color, tannin, flavors and aromas are imparted.
Malolactic Fermentation
An optional secondary fermentation during which malic acid is naturally converted into subtler lactic acid. This process typically results in softer red wines and more complex white wines.
Must
The juice of crushed grapes, prior to fermentation.
Non-Vintage
Refers to a wine made by blending the juice of grapes from multiple vintages.
Nose
Refers to the aroma or bouquet of a wine.
Oxidized
Denotes that a wine has become spoiled due to exposure to oxygen.
Off-Dry
Term used to describe a slightly sweet wine.
Phenolics
Chemical compounds in wine that make up elements such as tannins, pigments, flavors and aromas.
Residual Sugar
The percentage of sugar remaining in a wine after fermentation.
Rosé
A pink wine made from red grapes. The juice is allowed only minimal contact with the skins to impart a controlled degree of color, aroma and flavor.
Sommelier
French term for wine steward.
Stainless steel tank
A container used to ferment some wines because of its reliable temperature control, which helps maintain fruitiness and freshness (particularly for white wines).
Phenolics
Chemical compounds in wine that make up elements such as tannins, pigments, flavors and aromas.
Tannin
A substance imparted into red wine from grape skins, seeds and stems, as well as through wood contact. Tannins create a drying or textural sensation in the mouth, and can add structure to wine. Also a key factor in enabling a wine to sustain prolonged aging in bottle.
Terroir
A French term that encompasses the soil, climate and site in which a vineyard is located. Experts believe terroir has a strong influence on the character of the finished wine.
Residual Sugar
The percentage of sugar remaining in a wine after fermentation.
Varietal wine
A wine labeled with the predominant grape used to make the wine; e.g. a wine produced with mainly Merlot is labeled as Merlot.
Viniculture
The science of winemaking.
Vintage
The year in which the grapes for a wine were harvested.
