This past Shabbat we learned one of my favorite mishnayot, Avot, 4:20: “Rebbi says: don’t look at the container, rather what is in it. There is a new container full of aged wine, and an old container that doesn’t even contain new wine.” It sounds so much more adult than “don’t judge a book by its cover.”
This coming week contains another enjoyable one, Avot, 5:15: “There are four measures of students who study before the sages… A strainer that dispenses the wine and retains the sediment….” Even all these years later, we all remember that kid from class. Sometimes we’re amazed how well he’s done in life!
Aside from connecting us to the rich ethical teachings of the Anshei Knesset HaGedolah, it is also fun to get a glimpse into everyday life in the times of the Mishna. We get to see what has changed and, remarkably, what has stayed the same. Technology and maybe politics and economics have advanced, but human nature has remained constant.
And wine has certainly remained central to our lives, keeping the many metaphors relevant for us, hasn’t it? It’s so central, that as it has gotten warmer we have started thinking about rosés, and these are some of our favorites under $20.
Ella Valley EverRosé 2019, Judean Hills, Israel: Sale $17.99 (regular $20)
Scents of red berries are matched by savory notes of strawberry, raspberry and cherry. Well-balanced acidity leads to a pleasant finish with just a touch of sweet fruitiness.
Essence de Rosé 2019, Provence, France: Sale $18.99 (regular $23)
Rich and complex, this refreshing wine reveals surprising minerality and well-balanced acidity. Rosés like this make us understand why Provence is so well known for this style of wine.
Jerusalem Hills Rosé 2019, Judean Hills, Israel: $13.99
A rosé made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, this well-priced wine bursts with a nose of tropical fruit and shows fruit-forward flavors that end in a pleasing demi-sec finish.
Mony M Rosé 2019, Samson, Israel: Sale $12.99 (regular $15)
Fermented in stainless steel tanks, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon rosé exhibits a floral fragrance and a rich, fruity palate with a long finish.
Tabor Adama Barbera Rosé 2019,Galilee, Israel: $18.99
Aromas of cherry, strawberry and raspberry from this 100% Barbera wine belie the fruit-forward nature of this rosé. The palate is full of strawberry, raspberry and cherry, has nice acidity and a dry, lingering finish.
Terra d’Seta Meshi Rosé 2019, Toscana Rosato, Italy: $15.99
Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, grown in this estate winery. Fresh strawberry on the nose, more strawberry on the palate along with raspberry and nice minerality. Refreshing acidity leads to a long finish.
These wines are refreshing and will complement your Shabbos meals and backyard barbecues. They are available at Filler Up Wines in Teaneck, or your local kosher wine retailer.
By Fillerup Wines Staff
