6 Splendid Passover Wines to Sip in Westchester

For the holiday, try one of these six different wines, each of which comes from a different country and can be found locally.

Excellent examples of sensibly priced kosher-for-Passover wine, well-suited to match the traditional fare of the holiday, are now imported to the U.S. from viticultural areas around the world and are available locally.

ISRAEL 2019 Barkan Classic Cabernet Sauvignon ($10)

Made from grapes grown in Galilee and the Golan Heights, this red shows a bouquet and taste of black currants and plums, with notes of oak. Mate it with such main-course items as short ribs and leg of lamb. Find it at Stew Leonard’s Wines & Spirits in Yonkers and Westchester Wine Warehouse in White Plains.

passover wines
2019 Cantina Guiliano Chianti. Photo courtesy of Cantina Guiliano.

ITALY 2019 Cantina Guiliano Chianti ($19)

Hailing from the tiny western Tuscany town of Cascina Alta, this blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Ciliegiolo grapes boasts a bouquet and taste of cherries and raspberries, with hints of licorice in its finish. It pairs harmoniously with main-course items, like roasted chicken, potato kugel, and even braised brisket. Find it at WinesMart in Scarsdale and Bottle Grove in White Plains.

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NEW ZEALAND 2019 Goose Bay Sauvignon Blanc ($22)

While reds are more traditional for Passover, this grapefruit-scented, crisp white wine has the gusto to match typical appetizer items, like deviled eggs, gefilte fish, and even chopped liver. Find it at Varmax Liquor Pantry in Port Chester and Moderne Barn Wine & Spirits in Armonk.

FRANCE 2018 Chateau Camplay ($17)

Produced from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Merlot (50%) grapes from Bordeaux, this wine has a distinctive bouquet and taste of ripe plums and cassis, with hints of herbs in its slightly tannic finish. It matches most main-course Passover items, particularly lamb dishes. Find it at Rye Brook Wine & Spirits and Larchmont Wine & Liquor.

SPAIN 2018 Ramon Cardova Rioja ($18)

Produced from 100% Tempranillo grapes grown in vineyards surrounding the town of Haro in north-central Spain, this full-bodied wine shows a bouquet and taste of ripe wild berries and a touch of balsamic in its robust finish. It provides excellent accompaniment to pot roasts and braised beef short ribs. Find it at Aries Wine & Spirits in White Plains and Harrison Wine Vault.

CHILE 2020 Luis Felipe Edwards “Terra Vega” Malbec ($11)

An excellent bargain from Chile’s Central Valley, this blend of predominantly Malbec, with smaller amounts of Alicante Bouschet and Merlot, has a taste of ripe plums and cherries, with undertones of vanilla. It pairs well with sweet and sour stuffed cabbage, as well as potato kugel and asparagus. Find it at Vine & Company in Bedford Hills and Larchmont Wine & Liquor.

Related: 5 Spanish Red Wines to Pour for Your Next Dinner Party