As Passover approaches, the future doesn't look as rosy, but the wine certainly does.
Familial, spring-like, splendid, inviting, and steadfast. Zeev Lansner recommends, as only he knows, five rosé wines for the holiday table.
As known, we are not biased, and we are open to all colors. True to our pluralistic worldview, we will continue to guide you through the leading path of wine for Passover. After the whites, we have arrived at the rosés, with the red line still ahead of us.
Rosé wines are produced from grape varieties used for red wines, in a process where white wines are made; short maceration of the must (grape juice before fermentation) on the grape skins. This is how the color is obtained, which is neither white nor red, but something in between, rosy, with various shades.
And now, let's paint a picture. Rosé, until a few years ago in Israel, was perceived as "serious enough" wine only for people, mainly women, who don't drink much. Light, delicate, and subtle. No more! Rosé is beginning to assert its (historical, by the way) status as a wine that can be complex, interesting, and undoubtedly of quality.
Even I, I must admit, have connected more with it in recent years. Perhaps it's a late wisdom that comes with age. Not of the wine, but of mine.
So, I'll stop doing what bothers me most about wine, to dig, and I'll present five suitable rosé wines, each in its own way, for this spring holiday. And actually, for every day. Just that the wine will be chilled.
Familial: Carmel Winery, Regional Series, Rosé 2023
What's in it: Sira grapes from Modi'in's Judean Hills, from which the wine born spent three months aging in stainless steel tanks before bottling.
Why it: Rosé for the whole family. Light and refreshing, both in the nose and on the palate, and very user-friendly. Not surprising, and not daring. With a clear intention.
For whom, when, and where: For the holiday meal, as a quiet accompaniment to not heavy dishes. For all the table guests, including non-experienced or demanding drinkers.
Price: NIS 60.
Spring-like: Tabor Winery, Adama, Barbara Rosé 2020
What's in it: Barbara grapes from a vineyard in the Galilean Siron region.
Why it: Fresh and pleasant spring scents, with a dry, tangy taste, distinctly acidic and balanced. Not a particularly complex wine, but one that stands on its own. Surprisingly good, for its price.
For whom, when, and where: It could be an original opener for the barbecue on the intermediate days, with a group of thoughtful people who will open up to the wine before they lock in on the meat.
Price: NIS 60.
Splendid: Binyamina Winery, Perfume de Binyamina 2020
What's in it: Lots of Grenache and a little Barbara from the Judean Hills' Siron vineyard. Also, a proud name, a tribute to the perfume factory of Baron Rothschild, which operated in the past in the buildings where Binyamina Winery's wines are produced.
Why it: A rich scent of flowers and fruits that indeed leaves an "after-symbol" of perfume, and a varied and interesting taste, such as a bouquet, including a slight bitterness. Not a routine rosé at all.
For whom, when, and where: For wine enthusiasts and those who appreciate complex flavors. For drinking alongside food that won't steal the show, perhaps cheeses, and in a situation where you can listen to the wine, not in the midst of the bustle.
Price: NIS 89.
Inviting: Yatir Winery, South, Rosé 2022
What's in it: Grenache and Zinfandel grapes from the Ramat Arad vineyards, aged for four months in stainless steel tanks.
Why it: The rosé from Yatir's southern series is peach-colored, blooming in its aroma, and rich and abundant in its taste. Yet, it is very soft and inviting to drink.
For whom, when, and where: For a successful couple. But one that is interested not only in themselves and knows how to appreciate the joint leisure details. And then it can happen anywhere and at any time.
Price: NIS 80.
Steadfast: Galil Mountain Winery, Yiron, Rosé 2023
What's in it: Grenache, Sira, and a bit of Barbara from the Upper Galilee, the home of Galil Mountain Winery.
Why it: A young wine with a mature personality, knowing exactly what it wants. A scent only suggests, and a taste is clear, dry, sharp, and not fruity. A pleasure of a rosé.
For whom, when, and where: Works nicely with Asian cuisine and can serve honorably on the Passover table. However, such a rosé, with all due respect to near and far, is highly recommended that you keep it for yourself.
Price: NIS 95.
