Kosher winner dispels a myth
2006-10-19
THE 2004 vintage Tempel Kosher Pinotage won a Gold Medal at this year’s Michelangelo International Awards.
It was submitted for judging as a regular Pinotage, not as a Kosher wine, dispelling the myth that the Kosher process interferes with a good wine.
Tuan Marais bought the farm De Jooden Tempel on the bank of the Berg River in 1990 and was inspired by the fact that, during the 1800s, Jewish traders in Paarl bought the 1780s Cape Dutch house and turned it into a place of worship.
One of the criteria for producing Kosher wines involves Mevushal (flash pasteurisation), as the mash is passed at high speed through a network of specially insulated pipes. This is now a sophisticated process, which ensures integrity, complexity and flavour.
Another obvious benefit of pasteurisation is that it significantly negates the sulphur dioxide requirements during fermentation. As a result, the final SO2 levels are extremely low when compared with regular red wines from all over the world. The Beth Din blesses and supervises at every stage of production.
“Tempel Pinotage should not be treated as a wine for only religious and festive occasions. You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy it,” adds Tuan, “but if you are - Mazeltov!”
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