Shomer Kosher Wine Becomes Global Sensation

Daleah Wines, a new winery in Catalonia, has produced one of the world’s interesting kosher wines, gaining acclaim in both the Jewish market and the broader wine industry. Their standards and meticulous production process have resulted in an exclusive and sought-after product. 

A blend of necessity, desire, and good taste led the Krausz Family to start a real adventure: create their first kosher wine. The conditions: high quality and accessible to all palates. Originally from Colombia, after 20 years in Spain running their eco-friendly company, they started a project with the simple goal of enjoying a good kosher wine. 

Spain, known internationally for its rich wine heritage, is still developing its kosher wine offerings. “We love wine and couldn’t find a high-quality one at a reasonable price in the local market,” said Andrés. The first step was to find a wine-growing region with a qualified designation of origin (DOC). They chose Priorat over La Rioja due to its exclusive designation and proximity to Barcelona, where they live. 

“Priorat’s exclusive designation of origin, small and carefully managed productions, and the essence of the terrain in the wine were key reasons for our choice,” explained Andrés. 

Priorat, a region in Tarragona, Catalonia, is known for its calm villages and extensive agricultural fields, producing high-quality products. Viticulture began here in the 12th century with Provençal monks who were forced to flee in 1835. Today, visitors can explore the historic Carthusian monastery in Escaladei among other historical sites. 

With the region’s history in mind and their decision made, they sought a winery to join their project, ensuring the respect and care required for kosher wine. In 2021, they found Marco Abella winery in Porrera, 130 kilometers southwest of Barcelona. 

Marco Abella winery, with lands managed by the same family from the 15th to the 19th century, was revived 20 years ago. Since then, it has produced over ten highly recognized red and white wines. 

Daleah Wines’ first investment was in grapes from Marco Abella’s high-altitude vineyards in 2021. After 13 months of aging in French oak barrels under rabbinical supervision, 6,966 bottles of Shomer were produced. Shomer, a red wine with 70% Garnacha and 30% Cariñena, features the slate characteristics of Llicorella, with dark, deep berry notes and hints of anise, fennel, and sweet vanilla. Balanced and pleasant, it pairs well with red and white meats, paellas, and vegetables.

Launched in September 2023 as Priorat DOQ’s second kosher wine with kosher certification, Shomer received an unexpectedly positive reception. A renowned kosher wine influencer declared it “the best kosher wine I’ve ever had”. Shomer also made a splash at Barcelona Wine Week and won awards at the Las Vegas Pr%f Awards 2023, including a kosher certification medal and two gold medals in the blind tasting and overall product competitions. 

Shomer is available online and in stores in Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, and Marbella, retailing between 35 and 38 euros. Thousands of bottles have already been sold in Brooklyn, with plans to expand to Florida, California, Italy, France, Germany, England, Belgium, Austria, and Latin America. 

Meanwhile, Daleah Wines is aging its 2022 and 2023 harvests to release about 7,000 bottles annually. Andrés and Leah have their sights set even higher, with plans to create a kosher mevushal (cooked) wine in 2024, as well as a white wine from Priorat and another from Penedés in Barcelona. As Daleah Wines grows, the Spanish kosher wine market expands in quality and variety, offering a truly excellent and exclusive product. 

Wine Tourism in Catalonia
When visiting Catalonia, tourists often head to its capital, Barcelona, or nearby Girona, which is rich in Sephardic culture. However, there are more culinary experiences available to locals and tourists in the countryside.  

Priorat is ideal for food and wine tourism, with DOC Priorat and DO Montsant wine routes. A notable example is the visit to vineyards such as Marco Abella, where Shomer is produced. Guided tours of the vineyards educate visitors about the history and wine-making process, both kosher and non-kosher. The experience includes extensive tastings of red and white wines.  

The region is also famous for its exceptional extra virgin olive oil, with tours of olive fields, mills and cooperatives. Cultural activities, charming village itineraries and nature excursions in the Montsant and Llaberia mountain ranges offer hiking, biking and climbing opportunities.