How to Select Kosher Wines for Passover

Ma Nishtana?

If you have attended a Passover Seder more than once, chances are you have participated in one ten, twenty, or even thirty times throughout your life. The annual retelling of the Passover story and the exploration of freedom’s meaning reveal new insights each year, shaped by our personal experiences and the evolving struggles for liberation faced by individuals and societies alike.

The Four Cups of Wine at Passover hold profound symbolic significance, intertwining joy with themes of freedom, redemption, and divine promise. Their origins stem from Exodus 6:6-7, where God makes four promises of deliverance. These cups remind us that freedom is not a singular event but an ongoing journey—one that progresses from escaping oppression to cultivating a life imbued with purpose and meaning. They emphasize the delicate balance between physical, emotional, and spiritual liberation.

This year, consider elevating the experience by pairing each of the Four Cups with not only aroma, flavor, and story but also with intention. The essence of the four cups can be distilled into four themes: Awakening, Struggle, Transformation, and Manifestation.

Let us delve deeper.

First Cup: The Cup of Awakening, Sanctification, and Emanation

Wine Pairing: Codorniu Kosher Cava

Photo by Michael Perman, C'EST WHAT? LLC

This first cup marks the sanctification of the Seder and can be enjoyed as guests arrive. It represents the initial spark of holiness—an awakening that elevates the soul to a higher reality. This higher reality signifies divine closeness, unity with God beyond human comprehension, and awakening from spiritual slumber to recognize a higher purpose.

The celebratory, effervescent nature of Cava makes it an ideal choice to set the tone. This Cava has crisp acidity and notes of citrus and almond which mirror the freshness of new beginnings. It pairs beautifully with the lighter elements of the Seder’s opening, such as karpas (parsley with salt water) and subtly sweet gefilte fish.

Reflection: How might we bring effervescence into our lives, fostering a heightened spiritual consciousness while cultivating empathy for those who struggle for freedom?

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Second Cup: The Cup of Deliverance

Wine Pairing: Recanati Chardonnay

This cup is raised during the retelling of the Exodus, symbolizing freedom from oppression. It reminds us that liberation is not merely about breaking physical chains but also about being saved from harm, from ignorance, and from limiting beliefs. True freedom arises through wisdom, intellectual pursuit, and the commitment to learning. This second cup honors the retelling of our collective story with fresh perspectives, challenging emotional constraints and false narratives that hinder spiritual and mental liberation. It is through expanding our consciousness and infusing Godliness into our understanding that we achieve true deliverance.

Recanati’s full-bodied Chardonnay, aged in a blend of new French oak and steel, offers depth and richness that align with the gravity of this moment. Its light buttery texture and creaminess from batonnage, coupled with orchard fruit notes, harmonize beautifully with matzo ball soup or roasted chicken. Sourced from Tel Fares in the Golan Heights at a 2,000-foot elevation, this wine embodies refinement and resilience.

Reflection: How can we harness our dedication to learning and creativity to become catalysts for positive change?

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Third Cup: The Cup of Redemption

Wine Pairing: Gilgal Sauvignon Blanc

Traditionally poured after the meal, this cup represents redemption and the covenant with the Divine. However, it may also be enjoyed during the meal. This third cup transcends mere physical liberation; it symbolizes spiritual redemption. It reminds us that freedom carries both sacrifice and responsibility, as seen through the Ten Plagues and the price of liberation. In drinking this cup, we shift from intellectual comprehension to embodied redemption, merging judgment with mercy and finding spiritual healing through God’s presence.

A zesty, high-acid Sauvignon Blanc provides a refreshing brightness that revives the palate after heavier dishes. Its crisp minerality and citrus notes pair well with charoset, and fish or poultry, balancing sweetness and earthiness in perfect harmony.

Reflection: How do we transition from understanding the concept of freedom to deeply feeling the urgency for freedom, strengthening our empathy and achieving a higher level of spiritual enlightenment?

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Fourth Cup: The Cup of Acceptance and Praise

Wine Pairing: Gilgal Cabernet Sauvignon

The final cup signifies completion, divine acceptance, and the covenant between God and the Jewish people. It underscores the idea that freedom is intertwined with responsibility—a commitment to upholding higher values and fulfilling a divine purpose. This stage represents Malchut (Kingship, Manifestation), where divine presence is fully realized in the material world through righteous action.

A bold and structured Gilgal Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect counterpart to this moment of culmination. Its deep fruit notes, firm tannins, and earthy complexity reflect the gravity and grandeur of the occasion. This Bordeaux-style Cabernet pairs exquisitely with brisket or lamb, concluding the meal with a sense of gratitude and fulfillment.

Reflection: How do we integrate gratitude and responsibility into our daily lives to ensure that our freedom serves a higher purpose?

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The Fifth Cup: Elijah’s Cup

Wine Pairing: B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon

Tradition holds a place for a fifth cup—the Cup of Elijah—symbolizing future redemption and the coming of the Messiah. This cup remains untouched, a symbol of hope for ultimate peace and deliverance. However, should one wish to partake, the B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon is an exquisite choice, and surely Elijah would approve.

With rich notes of blackberry, cassis, light oak, forest floor, and dried herbs, this wine embodies depth and complexity. It pairs beautifully with brisket, chocolate-covered fruit, or chocolate macaroons, offering a luxurious close to the Seder.

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For more ideas about pairing wines with meals, special events and holidays, contact Sommelier Michael Perman, www.cestwhatwine.com, C'EST WHAT? Wine and Sensory, Lake Oswego, Oregon,.