As I mentioned in my last post, until now I had only come to France once a year in November on a dedicated tasting trip, while my friend David of Kosher Wine Musings had come a second time in May. The IDS visit is a perfect example as to why I also needed to come … Continue reading France – May 2024 – Part 2 – IDS
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France – May 2024 – Part 1 – Royal
I have been doing these France trips with my friend David Raccah of Kosher Wine Musings for five years now. Until now, David has always come twice a year - in May and November - while I only joined for the November trip. This was mostly due to work scheduling issues, family commitments, etc., and … Continue reading France – May 2024 – Part 1 – Royal
2021 Domaine de Montille
Right before Pesach, I had the opportunity to partake in a release event for the 2021 Domaine de Montille kosher burgundies. The event was a dinner held at The David Kempinski Hotel in Tel Aviv and was organized by their Israeli importer Shmuel Gottlieb of Geshem Spirits. Just a couple of words about Shmulik and … Continue reading 2021 Domaine de Montille
France – November 2023 – Part 4 – Hotel Wines
This post will (finally) wrap up my trip with my friend David Raccah of Kosher Wine Musings to France this past November. I have to say the most fun part of each of these trips is the time that we get to spend together when we are NOT at formal tastings with other people. Its … Continue reading France – November 2023 – Part 4 – Hotel Wines
France – November 2023 – Part 2 – IDS
Our next organized tasting was at IDS, which really needs no introduction from me. They are responsible for some of the very best kosher wines ever produced. They are a permanent stop whenever I am in France. Unfortunately, the problem is that David (of the Kosher Wine Musings blog) tastes in France at least twice … Continue reading France – November 2023 – Part 2 – IDS
France – November 2023 – Part 1 – Royal
The next four posts will deal with my yearly trip to France with my friend David Raccah of the Kosher Wine Musings blog. I have to say – this was a VERY hard trip to make. Until the day before I left, I was considering canceling due to the situation in Israel and feeling that … Continue reading France – November 2023 – Part 1 – Royal
Yavine Wines from the Loire and Languedoc Regions
I’m continuing to catch up on posts, and while I'm cleaning up tasting notes, let me mention that in June I was able to taste through my friend Nathan Grandjean's new releases from the Loire and Languedoc regions of France. Nathan is the well know proprietor of Yavine wines and is also responsible for bringing … Continue reading Yavine Wines from the Loire and Languedoc Regions
France Trip 2022 – Part 5 – The Blind Tastings
This will be my final post about my most recent trip to France – but buckle up – it’s going to cover over 60 wines! Before I even get started, I have to thank my partner in crime, David Raccah of the Kosher Wine Musings blog. He does all of the logistics work for these … Continue reading France Trip 2022 – Part 5 – The Blind Tastings
France Trip 2022 – Part 2 – Royal
Really, the high point of my visit to France each year, besides hanging out with my friend David Raccah for a week tasting wine and eating good food, is getting to spend quality time with Menachem Israelievitch, head winemaker for Royal Europe. It’s not just that he’s a consummate professional, managing dozens of productions at … Continue reading France Trip 2022 – Part 2 – Royal
Paris – November 2021 – Part 3 – Royal’s Truly Royal 2019 Vintage with Menachem Israelievitch
Finally, we are on to the main event. Honestly, the real reason I try to fly to France - besides hanging out with David - is to hang out for a day with Menachem Israelievitch and taste through Royal’s current French portfolio. It is truly the highlight of my trip each time. It’s not just … Continue reading Paris – November 2021 – Part 3 – Royal’s Truly Royal 2019 Vintage with Menachem Israelievitch