Though it would be impossible for the JTA staff to sample even 10 percent of the thousands of kosher-for-Passover wines on the market — at least without suspending all other newsroom activity for several festive days — there are a number of solid choices JTA staff can recommend from the group of wines sampled with Jay Buchsbaum of Royal Wine, who holds free tastings with many Jewish groups throughout the year. Mevushal wines are indicated with an asterisk (*) next to the approximate retail prices.
Best values: Bartenura Moscato (Italy, $11*) Moscato di Carmel (Israel, $9) Ramon Cardova Rioja (Spain, $13) Verbau Gewurztraminer (France, $15*) Baron Herzog Zinfandel (U.S., $13*).
Best reds: Segal’s Unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon (Israel, $60) Ramon Cardova Rioja (Spain, $13) Carmel Appellation Bordeaux Blend Limited Edition (Israel, $40) Herzog Special Reserve Cabernet/Zinfandel/Syrah (U.S., $35) Chateau Leoville Poyferre (France, $85).
Best whites: (non-dessert) Francois Labet Puligny Montrachet (France, $55) Verbau Gewurztraminer (France, $15*) Binyamina Special Reserve Chardonnay (Israel, $15).
Best for dessert: Bartenura Moscato (Italy, $11*) Moscato di Carmel (Israel, $9).
Best champagne: Nicolas Feuillatte Brut (France, $47).