An All-Star kosher wine is hitting the shelves just in time for Passover. Stoudemire wines, named after NBA All-Star, Amar’e Stoudemire, are produced in Israel and distributed by Royal Wine Corp, the largest purveyor of kosher wines and spirits in the world. Wine lovers can choose from the Reserve, Grand Reserve and Private Collection, all part of the limited edition bottles being released. The Reserve and Grand Reserve are sourced from the Galilee, with 1,680 bottles which will soon be available. The Galilee is considered to be the best appellation for wine growing in Israel.
Jewish National Fund hosted an exclusive wine tasting of Stoudemire wines for major donors and gave everyone a chance to meet the star athlete at the Ronald S. Lauder JNF House in New York City on Tuesday, February 20th in New York City.
Stoudemire was very involved in the wine-making process and said he “tasted different blends for each bottle. Israel has been known as the frontrunner for grapes for thousands of years and it seemed like the perfect time to start making wines when I moved to Israel in 2015. I’m in the field, tasting the grapes, watching the grapes grow, watching the fermentation system, the barreling, the whole bit.”
The collection includes the Reserve, a red wine with aromas of black fruits that characterize the Cabernet Sauvignon variety while the Grand Reserve is a mixture of aromas including black fruits, tobacco, toasted oak and ripe pepper for a rich taste. The Private Collection, which will have a limited release of 100 bottles, is sourced from Mata Vineyard of Judean Hills and is composed of a unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
Tulip winery, which is producing the wines, is located in the North of Israel in Kfar Tikva, Village of Hope.
“The wines are growing in a region that JNF has a deep connection to; we allow those with disabilities to work in the vineyard,” said JNF CEO Russell Robinson.
Employees at Tulip Winery are all individuals with special needs who aren’t able to live at home anymore. The community employs and houses the employees who all work and live together.
Mordy Herzog of Royal Wine Corp said “Israel’s been making some great wines and what Amar’e is bringing is star power to the Israeli wine business. There’s a real connection to the wine and the land, it’s not just a celebrity endorsement.”
The NBA star is no stranger to wine – in 2015 a social media video of him bathing in a tub of red wine went viral – red by the way, is his wine of choice.
“Mr. Stoudemire shows again his support for Israel and excellent taste. We are excited to make these high quality Israeli wines available to the public, said Gabe Geller, Royal Wine’s Director of Public Relations.
Stoudemire, who played for the Knicks and Heat before becoming the star forward for Hapoel Jerusalem, is also known for his activism andwas awarded the Martin Luther King Jr Award by the State of Israel, Jewish National Fund and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York. Consul General of Israel in New York Ambassador Dani Dayan and JNF CEO Russell Robinson presented the sports star and activist with the award during a reception last week at the Mount Zion Hotel in Jerusalem. This prestigious award is given annually in celebration of Black History Month to those who have demonstrated the ideals of Dr. King through their efforts to promote diversity and tolerance.
You’ll definitely want to try a bottle of this All- Star wine before it sells out!
By Julie L. Sagoskin
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