How to pair wines with Passover Seder

There are a LOT of flavors happening at Passover Seder, and even more challenging for a wino is that we’re not used to eating most in our typical diets. As such, it can be difficult to pick the right wine to accompany a Seder meal.

I recently went through the standard Passover fare with fellow catadores from Grand Cata wine shop. We chose what we think would be awesome pairings for these special dishes. And since you have four glasses of wine to work with, you can try all of these (and more)! Quick note that my family and I don't drink kosher-only wines at Seder. If you do, I've included kosher options as well for each dish.

Matzoh Ball Soup

Unless you have a cold and live near your Mom, there’s no other time in the year you’ll eat this soup. This dinner opener pairs well with a dry crisp white like a cool climate Sauvignon Blanc. Check out one called “Laberinto" from Chile. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, a Txakoli from northern Spain works great, too. (Kosher option: Terra Vega Chardonnay 2017.)

Gefilte Fish

Is there any more polarizing food than Gefilte? You’ve either loved it since you were young or gag just thinking about it. For the former, try a mineral driven white to complement the mysterious metallic taste you often get with this dish. If pairing with heaps of spicy horseradish, a buttery Chard should help cut that bite. Try Tami Grillo from Italy or Aconcagua Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2016 from Chile. (Kosher option: Terra Vega Chardonnay 2017, or Cantina San Gabriele Pinot Noir.)

Charoset

This delightful combination of walnuts, apples, honey, cinnamon and wine is a crowd pleaser that tastes delicious with matzoh or paired with the horseradish for a spicy/sweet combo. Lots of flavors happening here. One option is a white with tropical notes. Or, grab a bottle of cream sherry for this. I promise, a good bottle of Sherry is heavenly, and won’t break the bank.

Brisket

Let’s start by just saying that every family’s brisket is THE best brisket. I personally only ever find myself eating brisket with Texan BBQ or Passover Seder. Because of that, I prefer this hearty meat in sweet chili sauce with lots of sweet onions. Bring on the Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec. Or better yet, bring on both in the Cuvelier Los Andes Malbec, cab sauv, petite verdot, and syrah blend. It complements the sweetness with firm tannins to balance the fat of the meat. (For a Kosher option go with Terra Vega Carmenere, Chile, 2017.)

Dessert

The Seder is not necessarily known for desserts. However, it could be if you have a slammin’ wine to go with them! These are my two favorite dishes and the ones I’m baking: chocolate covered toffee matzoh brittle and coconut macaroons. Pair either with a sweet red vermouth, or go big with the amazing Paso Robles Zinfandel by Rabbel.

What do you drink at Seder? Hit me up at @rackle31 with your musts.

This post was co-written with an employee of Grand Cata, a Latin American wine shop in Washington, D.C.