A TASTE OF PASSOVER Carmel Creates New Memories for the Holidays

March 19, 2004--What constitutes a memory? The Merriam Webster Dictionary states that a memory is a particular act of recall or recollection; an image or impression of one that is remembered as just one of its many definitions. For many a memory is suddenly thrust upon us by experiencing a particular aroma or taste. The sweet scent of charoset (chopped apples, walnuts and cinnamon often with a touch of wine) ready for the Seder plate or a succulent chicken roasting in the oven can bring forth visions of earlier Passover meals. One bite of Grandma's lighter than air matzo balls or Aunt Esther's kugel hurls us back in time to every Passover meal we've ever enjoyed. And that first sip of wine might remind us of an earlier time when we were only allowed to take a mouthful of sacramental wines like Carmel's King David Red Concorde on holidays or special occasions.

For more than 120 years Carmel wines have played a pivotal role at the Seder table, symbolizing joy and happiness, as Jews around the world celebrate their ancestor's liberation from Egypt in 1312 BC. The traditional two glasses of wine served on Sabbath and other festival meals is doubled to four for Passover, as the holiday is so joyous and memorable—each glass of wine, traditionally red, signifies an expression of freedom. A fifth cup is left out for the Prophet Elijah, whose return it is said, will facilitate an age of harmony, peace and understanding among all peoples.

Today the wines we most often find on our holiday table are dry rather than the sweet selections we drank in times past—luckily kosher law does not mandate a particular taste of wine—any style from a dry table wine to an off-dry, dessert or sparkling wine can be kosher. Choices are now based on taste and wines are now chosen to complement the meal instead of just because they are kosher, thus transforming the holiday meal into a truly gourmet experience. "These days families often drink more than one type of wine at the table to go with the many different dishes being served and Carmel provides a wine for every taste at every level," says Adam.

Montefiore, International Marketing Director for Carmel. "Wine on the Seder table is no longer limited to the traditional four glasses. These days families often enjoy a glass with the meal as well, as one would at any celebration."

Carmel wines at the Seder table will insure that everybody goes home full of new and traditional Passover flavors along with new memories to join those of Passovers past. The Moscato di Carmel 2002 is always a holiday favorite with its lively palate full of vibrant flavors like peach and ambrosia. Passover kugel—generally made with potatoes or matzo and fruits such as apples, peaches or apricots—is the perfect partner for this fresh Moscato at $7.99. The off-dry and lightly perfumed 2002 Carmel Emerald Riesling/Chenin Blanc ($9.99) matches especially well with gefilte fish or matzo ball soup. The new Private Collection Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc 2002 ($15.99) combines the best of both worlds—the complexity and body of a sun-ripened Chardonnay coupled with the smooth nuances of a clean, crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Traditional fare like roast chicken, is a good choice for this delicious blend. Carmel's Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2002 ($15.99) uncorked on the table will thrill red wine lovers with its fruit forward style. Match this full-bodied red with brisket or roasted vegetables for a truly gastronomic experience, or try with the Private Collection Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz 2002. Carmel's Muscat of Alexandria, Late Harvest 2000 ($19.99) will provide the sweet ending that most of us crave—deliciously rich with the taste of exotic tropical fruit and a flowery Muscat aroma so well associated with Israel.

Carmel Wines are imported by the Royal Wine Company, Bayonne, NJ.





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