Episode 12: Wines We've Been Enjoying Recently, Plus Other Current Topics
In 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.
#kosherwinepodcast #kosher #kosherwine #wine #podcast #winepodcast
Email your questions and comments to [email protected]
Episode 10: Interview with Jonathan Hajdu, Winemaker, Covenant & Hajdu Wines
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.
Hajdu wines are available at hajduwines.com
Covenant wines are available at covenantwines.com
Email your questions and comments to [email protected]
Covenant Wines Jeff Morgan Jonathan Hajdu
I've been doing lots of fermenting and pickling lately. Just "get the bug" so to speak sometimes (pun intended). Here's what I put up today and one thing I pulled.
Put these up today:
1. Sauerkraut with purple cabbage and carrot, garlic, shallot, jalapeno
2. Turmeric/Cumin/Sumac Sauerkraut with purple cabbage and carrot, garlic, shallot, jalapeno
3. Cucumber bites, jalapeno
4. Whole cukes, garlic, dill
And I pulled these Brussels sprouts which really came out great. And moved my Preserved Lemons into the fridge.
#fermentation #pickles #kraut #brussels #turmeric #sumac #FermentedFoods #guthealthforlife
Episode 9: Everything You Need to Know About Wine Corks (and Other Enclosures!)
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.
Email your questions and comments to [email protected]
#kosherwinepodcast #cork #corks #wine #corktaint #taint #TCA #diam
Episode 8: A Conversation with Gabe & Shimon Weiss of Shirah Wine
In this episode, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman invite their first guests, rockstar winemaker brothers Gabriel and Shimon Weiss of Shirah Wine.
They discuss the origins of Shirah Wine and their journey in winemaking. Please support and buy at Shirahwine.com
We love your feedback! [email protected]
Shirah Wine
#kosherwinepodcast #Shirah #KosherWine #Winepodcast #Interview #Winemakers #instawine #winewithfriends
Episode 8: Gabe & Shimon Weiss of Shirah Wine
In this in depth conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman invite their first guests, rockstar winemaker brothers Gabriel and Shimon Weiss of Shirah Wine, while the shmooze on the history of Shirah, winemaking, and all sorts of other topics -- of course all while enjoying a glass of Shirah wine.
Find out more about Shirah Wines and become part of their wine club at https://www.shirahwine.com/
Email your questions and comments to [email protected]
Shirah Wine
#KosherWinePodcast #Shirah #Winemakers #interview #podcast #kosherwine #Cali #podcastersofinstagram
Post-Passover Musings & Dalton Pét-Nat 2023
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.
Email your questions and comments to [email protected]
#KosherWinePodcast #kosherwinetastings #kosherwine #petnat #dalton #israel #israeliwine #passover
Rabbi Yisroel Bernath Dalton Winery - יקב דלתון
Episode #6: Our Wine Picks for Passover 2024
In the highly anticipated Pesach Seder Wine Pick episode, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman announce their picks. They choose wines only from Israel in four price categories: Under $20, $20 to $40, $40 to $80, and over $80. Additionally, they choose one Moshiach wine from the depths of their cellars. They choose exclusively red wines as these are preferred for the Four Cups. They emphasize the importance of choosing Israeli wines for the Seder and supporting the Israeli wine industry.
In this conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Kenny Friedman discuss their top wine picks for Passover. The conversation highlights the diversity and quality of Israeli wines and the importance of supporting Israeli winemakers, more so now than ever. They also discuss the significance of remembering and focusing on the Israeli hostages during the Seder, may they be brought home safely, speedily, and in good health now.
Takeaways
---Choose Israeli wines for the Seder to support the Israeli wine industry.
---Consider the price range and value when selecting wines.
---Look for wines that are easy to drink and pair well with the Seder meal.
---Explore different grape varieties and blends for a variety of flavors and experiences. ----Israeli wines offer a wide range of options and are of high quality.
---Supporting Israeli winemakers is important.
---Mentioning a hostage or soldier during the Seder is a meaningful way to honor them.
---Choosing wines for Passover can be a personal and enjoyable experience.
#KosherWinePodcast #Passover #Pesach #Jewish #Israel #Israeli #Kosherwine #Winechat #SupportIsrael
Choosing the Perfect Wines for Passover
In this conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman discuss their recent experiences and preparations for the upcoming Passover holiday, the peak buying season for kosher wine. They discuss the question they receive most often, namely, what wines to drink at the Pesach Seder. They provide recommendations for wines to drink and discuss the tradition of using red wine, the need to drink a certain amount quickly, and the ideal wines to fit the bill. The touch on the importance of including others in the Seder and making them feel welcome. Kenny and Rabbi Bernath talk about the wines they would pull out from their cellars, including special bottles and Israeli wines. They conclude by answering some questions they received from listeners in the past week, including ideal storage temperature for red wines and the best temperature to serve them. They touch on the topic of aeration and decanting, emphasizing that most wines do not need to be decanted. The conversation ends with the hosts expressing their gratitude for their listeners and ask for continued feedback at [email protected]
#kosherwinepodcast #kosherwinetastings #kosherwine #kosher #winepodcast #somm #wine #passover #passover2024
Episode 4: Matar CB, 2016 & Chateau Marquisat de Binet, Cuvée Abel, Montagne Saint-Émilion, 2015
Episode 2: Corkscrews, D'acci Barbara D'Asti 2020 & Shiloh Secret Reserve Petit Verdot 2020
In this conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman discuss corkscrews and wine openers. They compare different types of corkscrews and share their recommendations. They also discuss the concept of regifting rabbit corkscrews. The conversation then shifts to open bottles of wine, with Rabbi Bernath sharing his experience with a Dacci Barbara D'Asti wine. They discuss the acidity of Italian wines and how to balance it. They also touch on the government control of Italian wines and the different regulations in various countries. The conversation covers various topics related to Israeli wine and the challenges faced by Israeli winemakers. It discusses the protests against Israeli products, the impact of antisemitism on Jewish artists and businesses, and the challenges faced by Israeli winemakers in the diaspora. The conversation also explores the longevity of open wine bottles and storage methods, the importance of supporting Israeli wine, and the significance of drinking Israeli wine at Passover. It delves into the evolution of winemaking in Israel, the growth of Israeli wineries, and the diversity of Israeli wine regions. The conversation concludes with a discussion on wine choices for Purim and a hope for peace and celebration on the holiday.
Takeaways
There are different types of corkscrews available, and it's important to choose one that is durable and efficient.
The Haiku corkscrew is recommended as a high-quality option that is well-made and long-lasting.
Italian wines, such as Barbera, often have a good balance of acidity and fruit flavors.
Government regulations play a role in the production and labeling of wines in different countries. Protests against Israeli products and businesses are a form of antisemitism that impacts Jewish artists and businesses.
Israeli winemakers face challenges in the diaspora, including labeling requirements and protests against their products.
Keeping open wine bottles in the fridge can help extend their shelf lif
Kosher Wine Podcast, Episode 1: Herzog, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020
In this first episode of the Kosher Wine Podcast, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Dr. Kenny Friedman discuss their backgrounds and passion for kosher wine. They explore the significance of wine in Jewish culture and how it is used to celebrate various occasions. The hosts also highlight the influence of kosher wine in the market and the growth of the industry. They introduce the concept of the Kosher Wine Podcast and their plan to feature different wines in each episode. The episode concludes with a focus on Herzog Wine and a tasting of the Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, discussing its characteristics and oak aging process. In this conversation, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath and Kenny Friedman discuss various aspects of wine appreciation. They emphasize the importance of smelling wine and how it enhances the overall wine experience. They also explore topics such as aging and oak in wine, decanting and aerating wine, and the connection between smell and taste. They recommend the Herzog Alexander Valley 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon as a versatile and enjoyable wine, suitable for various occasions. The conversation concludes with an invitation for listeners to ask questions and engage further.
Takeaways
Smelling wine is an essential part of the wine experience and can greatly enhance the enjoyment of the wine.
Understanding the aging potential of wine and the impact of oak can help in selecting and appreciating different wines.
Decanting and aerating wine can be beneficial for certain wines, but it is not necessary for every bottle.
The alcohol content in wine should not be the sole factor in judging its quality, as other factors such as balance and smoothness are equally important.
The Herzog Alexander Valley 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is a recommended wine for its approachability, versatility, and overall enjoyment.
Support the show
Email your questions and comments to [email protected]