Don’t spend 40 years wandering around for Kosher wine this year – we’ve got you covered!

Need an Israeli and/or kosher wine for Passover? We’ve spoken to some Providence wine merchants to get their recommendations for  the best bottles to celebrate the Exodus. And they’re all KFP!

Richard Backer, founder of East Side Prescriptions on Hope Street, picked Emerald Riesling from Israel; Barkan Pinot Noir from Israel; and Butcher’s Daughter from Bordeaux, France.

Most of the Emerald Riesling vineyards, says Backer, are in the southern Mount Carmel region or in the Central Coastal Plain. Backer describes the Emerald Riesling as nicely aromatic with juicy, exuberant pineapple, green apple and lime fruits. Off-dry to medium sweet with a touch of honeysuckle flower, the Emerald Riesling has a blowzy, flowery character and a slightly spicy finish. On the palate the wine is medium bodied with medium acidity.

The Barkan Classic Pinot Noir comes from the high desert vineyard of Mitzpeh-Ramon, where the cool night air and poor soil – an ideal situation for the growth of grapevines – allows the delicate grapes to reach their full expressive maturity. With a pale garnet color and unmistakable Pinot Noir aromas of strawberry, black cherry, and mint, this has a bright acidity and a complex flavor profile. Light to medium-bodied, Backer says it pairs fantastically with veal schnitzel, roast duck or grilled salmon.

Butcher’s Daughter is the house wine of La Fille du Boucher, a trendy Parisian restaurant located a few blocks from the vintner’s father’s butcher shop. This is a Bordeaux bottle with tasting notes of black cherry and raspberry and an interesting vanilla and spice finish. The wine is medium-bodied with moderate tannins that do not overwhelm the palate and pairs well with brisket and steak. It is a delicious blend of cabernet, merlot and cabernet franc. Backer says this is a very nice Bordeaux that happens to be Kosher.

Eric Taylor, manager of Bottles Fine Wine on Pitman Street, picked 2015 O’Dwyers Creek Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand, 2012 Pacifica “Evan’s Collection” Pinot Noir, Oregon, and 2013 Volcanus Rioja, Spain.

Taylor describes the O’Dwyers bottle as vibrant, with juicy tropical fruit flavors and aromas like grapefruit and mango that are light and zippy. He says this will go well with lighter dishes like appetizers and salads.

The 2012 Pacifica is classic, light and elegant. Taylor says it comes from  one of the best growing areas for Pinot Noir. Ripe berry fruit with hints of black cherry along with mineral and earthy flavors like wet stone and black truffles characterize this wine.

With a word like “volcanus” in the name, you know you’re in for some big flavor! Taylor describes the Volcanus Rioja as a big flavorful concentrated wine that will please both casual and serious wine drinkers. Full bodied with aromas of red fruits and licorice, this “stunning” wine is balanced, voluptuous and velvety with a long and persistent finish.