The Agave Solution: Finding Complexity Beyond Scotch This Passover

Negave, agave spirit grown in Israel’s Negev, for fans of tequila. (Courtesy of Jules Polonetsky)

Passover means a temporary farewell to the grain based Scotch and bourbon of the shul kiddush club, and more and more of us are reaching for tequila instead. My March column looks at why agave spirits deserve real attention, and not just as a holiday stand in.

I draw heavily on a conversation with Master Mezcalier Yechiel Chovav about how to explore tequila and mezcal, and he ends with a friendly warning: the more you learn about agave, the more you will appreciate it.

Read the full column in Washington Jewish Week: The Agave Solution: Finding Complexity Beyond Scotch This Passover

Elevating Your Holiday Meals: A Simple Guide to Passover Wine Pairings

Shirah Wines. (Courtesy of Jules Polonetsky)

My March column offers a simple guide to wine pairings for the whole of Passover, not just the seder. For the four cups I favor easy drinking, lower alcohol wines, starting with something sparkling: a rosé Champagne from Jeeper, Rothschild or Drappier, a top Israeli sparkler from Yarden or Raziel, or one of the many Moscatos.

From there I lay out a few golden rules of pairing and go dish by dish, from matzah with butter and matzah brei to matzah ball soup and potato kugel, ending with the rich meat dishes where your biggest, boldest reds belong. Passover involves enough planning already, so the goal is to keep the wine simple and enjoyable.

Read the full column in Washington Jewish Week: Elevating Your Holiday Meals: A Simple Guide to Passover Wine Pairings