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Admiral Imports Signs Agreement For Abarbanel Kosher Wines
Admiral Imports is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement to become the exclusive U.S. Importer for Abarbanel Kosher wines effective March 1, 2010 .
The Abarbanel Kosher line is comprised of five multi-award winning and perennially acclaimed wines led by their three Alsatian dry whites: Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc and two reds: an Alsatian Pinot Noir and a Beaujolais Villages. Abarbanel has the world's only kosher Pinot Blanc and only Pinot Noir from Alsace . Currently, Abarbanel Beaujolais Villages is the only kosher Beaujolais imported and distributed in the U.S. Abarbanel Beaujolais Villages is produced at a centuries-old Chateau from vines more than 100 years old. Abarbanel was the first with kosher Beaujolais back in 1992 and first with kosher wines from Alsace in 1996. All Abarbanel brand wines are estate bottled and hand-harvested.
All of the Abarbanel wines carry the Abarbanel Family Crest, given to Don Isaac Abarbanel by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in the 16 th Century for his service to the Spanish Crown. The Abarbanel family is the world's oldest continuously existing Jewish family, tracing its heritage back to ancient Israel and King David.
In addition to becoming the exclusive importer for the Abarbanel line under the agreement, Admiral Imports also acquired the “Layla Vineyards” brand and will be the exclusive importer for this contemporary line of South American Kosher varietal wines. This line includes a sweet Bonarda for a suggested $9.99 and Malbec, Pinot Noir and a semi-sweet Cabernet Sauvignon for a suggested $11.99.
For years, kosher wine in the United States had been derived from the Concord grape, undrinkable except with the addition of large amounts of sugar. Immigrants accustomed only to dry, European wine had little choice. The Abarbanel family entered the Kosher wine business in 1992 with a mission to offer outstanding, world-class wines to the kosher consumer. Abarbanel has been providing kosher wines of the highest caliber in the USA ever since.
The Abarbanel family's rich history traces its heritage as far back as King David and eminence to the idyllic age of Spanish and Portuguese Jewry before the exile of 1492. After being forced to leave Portugal in 1483, Don Yitzchak (Isaac) Abarbanel fled to Spain where he became the Chief Minister for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Although the King and Queen pleaded with him to stay behind following the Spanish Inquisition, Don Isaac refused as his fellow Jews were forced into exile. Instead he spent the remainder of his life in various parts of Italy focused on his writing and in service to the kings of Naples and the Venetian government.
The Abarbanel Family settled in the USA in the early 20 th Century. Howard Abarbanel began producing hand-crafted, artisanal, boutique kosher wines 18 years ago, quickly becoming one of the pre-eminent innovators and leaders of the new quality kosher wine revolution of the last 15 years. Abarbanel is known for highly acclaimed kosher wines and developed a loyal consumer following throughout the USA , particularly on the East Coast. “I am extremely pleased to enter into this new agreement with Admiral Imports giving Abarbanel wines better representation and enhanced distribution, which will bring a higher level of service to the Jewish community for our products,” said Howard Abarbanel.
“It is with great pleasure that we take on these reputable kosher wines which will complement our existing portfolio,” said Admiral Imports' President and owner, Michael Zeiger. Admiral Imports will have inventory on all Abarbanel and Layla Vineyards wines beginning in March adding to their existing line of kosher wines which includes Tishbi from Israel and Terra Vega from Chile .
Admiral Imports represents some of the finest international brands in the world such as Iceberg Vodka, Sheep Dip Vatted Single Malt Scotch, Pig's Nose 5 Yr. Old Scotch Whisky, Berentzen, Green Fairy Absinth, Voodoo Tiki Tequila, Luis Felipe Edwards wines from Chile, F?mega Vinho Verde, Royal Oporto, Wines of Real Companhia Velha, Bacalhoa, Jacopo Biondi Santi and Villa Trasqua from Tuscany, Fabiano Wines from Veneto, Fazi Battaglia wines from Marche, Villa Dante Toscana, Sielo Blu by Josef Brigl, Tosti Sparkling Wines from Piedmont, Torlasco wines and much more. For more information visit www.admiralimports.com .
Abarbanel Portfolio Wines
Win 12 Medals at
World Wine Championships!
Garnering an impressive 12 Medals at the World Wine Championships’ August 2009 kosher wine competition run by the Beverage Testing Institute, Abarbanel Portfolio Wines scooped-up an astounding Five Gold Medals, Four Silver Medals & Three Bronzes. More significant are the ratings accorded the Gold Medal wines:
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GOLD MEDAL Katlav 2006 Wadi Katlav Blend "Dark garnet color. Aromas of craisins, clay, spice, rosemary, and roasted pepper follow through on a rich, supple entry to a dryish medium-full body with seamless balance and a touch of fig, cocoa and delicate herbs on the long sumptuous, mossy earth accented finish. Brilliantly ripe, balanced and complex."
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GOLD MEDAL Efron's Cave 2006 Reserve “Jerusalem Gold” Red Blend "Garnet. Rich aromas of roasted peppers, exotic peppercorns, rosemary and spicy plum chutney follow through on a round, satiny entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with notes of sundried tomato, pencil shavings, and cocoa. Finishes with a crisp and lively fade. A juicy, tasty table wine."
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GOLD MEDAL Katlav 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon "Dark garnet color. Aromas of dried currant, cherry, pepper, clay and spice follow through on a supple,juicy entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body with ripe cherry, berry, and orange fruit. Finishes with a touch of tobacco, toffee, pink peppercorn, and mulling spices. A very appealing, fruity, and racy red that is sure to please to crowd. Try with mole"
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GOLD MEDAL Katlav 2006 Merlot "Deep garnet color. Olive, clay, forest floor cherry and plum aromas and flavors. Dry and medium-to-full bodied with cocoa and pepper on the finish. Supple, elegant and balanced."
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GOLD MEDAL Shemesh 2007 Reserve Merlot "Ruby color. Bright spicy cherry danish and blackberry frosting aromas and flavors with cocoa and earth accents. Long tangy and refreshing finish. Superbly table friendly."
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Silver Medal Shemesh 2007 Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Negev Hills "Dark ruby color. Aromas of chocolate covered cherries and cranberries follow through on a bright entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with nut and tilled earth notes. Finishes with a juicy, refreshing finish. A very nice table wine to pair with spicy lamb dishes." Beverage Testing Institute World Wine Championships |
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Silver Medal Efron's Cave 2006 Reserve Jerusalem Hills Red Blend "Ruby color. Aromas of cranberries, tomatoes on the vine, black pepper and pencils follow through on a silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with ripe raspberry and cherry notes. Finishes in a woody, spiced nut accented fade with a touch of dirt. A nice table wine." World Wine Championships |
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Silver Medal Efron's Cave 2007 Reserve Jerusalem Rosé "Pale scarlet color. Pleasing aromas of strawberry jam and pepper on toast follow through on a round entry to a dryish medium body with tangy citrus peel, cherry pit, and delicate spice notes on the crisp finish. A sturdy rosé for sipping or the table." World Wine Championships |
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Silver Medal Best Buy Abarbanel Château de la Salle, Beaujolais-Villages 2007 "Rich ruby color. Aromas of strawberry compote, chocolate covered cherries follow through on a soft, round entry to a dryish medium body with tangy spiced apple, raspberry, and orange notes. Finishes with a powdery tannin fade with a touch of nutskin and spice." Beverage Testing Institute World Wine Championships |
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Bronze Medal Efron's Cave 2007 Reserve Jerusalem White "Pale golden yellow color. Aromas of roasted Brazil nuts, baked plantains, and delicate brown spices follow through on a brisk entry to a dry light-to-medium body with baked apple and lemon notes and a tart finish." World Wine Championships |
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Bronze Medal Katlav 2007 Chardonnay, Judean Hills "Golden amber color. Aromas of caramel, roasted nuts, and baked apples follow through on a soft, silky entry to a dryish medium body with a touch of tangy lemon curd and a delicate spicy poached apple note on the finish. A pleasant sipper." Beverage Testing Institute World Wine Championships |
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Bronze Medal Layla 2007 White Blend, Mendoza. "Golden amber color. Fragrant floral lilac, honey, and honeysuckle aromas. A soft, supple entry leads to a dryish medium body with peach, lime and lychee flavors and crisp, mineral and baguette notes on the finish." World Wine Championships |
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