Shavuos Wines: Adequate Wines For Sanctifying Matan Torah
By: Gabriel Geller, WSET III
Shavuos arrives once again as we celebrate Matan Torah, yes, the Torah that also teaches us that simchais found in wine, and… meat! But we can have cheese too. It’s a yom tov of gratitude like no other, proudly thanking Hashem for choosing us as the nation worthy of his Torah. We put so much thought in our menus, to serve dishes worthy of this most special chag. Kal v’chomer, we should put even more thought into the wines we will make kiddush over, and which will accompany and elevate the delicacies we serve on our tables. Many, if not most of us, will be gathering around tables laden with dairy delights like cheesecake and blintzes, as well as fish, lighter proteins, and perhaps a fleishig follow-up meal, as well. With the emphasis on staying alert and focused for Torah learning, especially during the first night, the guiding principle remains quality over quantity. We want wines that refresh, cheer us up, and pair beautifully without overwhelming.
The ever-growing selection of kosher wine, in both diversity and quality, makes this “exercise” of recommending such wines more exciting every year, and 5786 is no exception! Here are four lovely wines that deserve a place at your Shavuos table:
Champagne Cheurlin, Célébrité, Blanc de Blancs, NV. This limited-production kosher prestige cuvée from Cheurlin, a Champagne house founded in 1788! and co-owned by NBA legend Isiah Thomas is a Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs with zero added sugar, a unique blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc. Elegant pale gold with fine bubbles, it offers chalky minerality, almond, brioche, candied orange, and subtle saline notes. Crisp, rich, and refined—perfect chilled for Kiddush, cheese platters, smoked fish, or cheesecake.
Feldstein, Dabouki, 2023. A revival of an ancient Israeli grape variety, this dry white from old Dabouki vines in the Judean Hills/Mount Carmel slopes shines with a pale straw color, vibrant tropical notes on both the nose and palate of spring flowers, guava, green melon, lime, golden apple, citrus peel, grilled orange, and nutty-mineral hints. Both juicy and textured, with bright acidity and a refreshing finish. Ideal for soft cheeses like brie and camembert, creamy pasta, grilled branzino, sushi, or chicken. A true taste of Eretz Yisrael’s roots.
Herzog, Lineage, Chardonnay, 2025. From the fame Herzog’s estate Prince vineyard in Clarksburg, California, this elegant full-bodied Chardonnay bursts with tropical pineapple and papaya, Meyer lemon, grapefruit, white peach, apricot, plus subtle vanilla-oak complexity. Vibrant acidity keeps it balanced and refreshing rather than heavy. Serve chilled with herb-crusted halibut, veal chops, buttery trout with almonds, mushroom or broccoli quiche. Incredible value at around $20 for this versatile, high-quality Chard’.
Baron Edmond de Rothschild, Rimapere, Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc, 2025. This wine hails from Baron Edmond de Rothschild’s Rimapere estate in Marlborough, New Zealand. A zesty white showing pale gold-green hues in the glass, with intense aromas of lemon, lime, grapefruit, kiwi, passionfruit, white flowers, with freshly cut grass, and herbal notes. Crisp, mouthwatering palate with zippy acidity highlighting juicy citrus, tropical hints, and a saline mineral edge on the finish. Creamy pastas, soft cheeses, baked salmon, schnitzel, or salads you name it, it will also help keeping you alert through learning a daf or two of Gemara.
Chag Sameach, l’chaim!
