Plenty of NBA players are now in the wine business. What makes Amar’e Stoudemire different? For starters, rather than creating a California wine label like Dwayne Wade or Charles Barkley, Stoudemire is releasing a line of Kosher wines from Israel.
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Stoudemire developed an affinity for Judaism after two years on Hapoel Jerusalem, the premier professional basketball club in Jerusalem. Via Forward, he collaborated with the Israeli Wine Association over three years to bring Stoudemire Wines to fruition.
The first release of Stoudemire wines is in partnership with Tulip Winery in northern Israel. Tulip Winery is a boutique effort with wines primarily sourced from higher-altitude, cool climate vineyards in Northern Israel. It is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, both of which have received 90+ points from Wine Spectator. Tulip Winery is a driving force in its local community, Kfar Tivka, a community for adults with developmental disabilities. Tulip Winery employs members of kfar tivka and seeks to make them equal members of the labor market.
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There are three wines being released: a 2016 Stoudemire Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($60), a 2014 Stoudemire Grand Reserve Capernaum ($100), and a Stoudemeyer Private Collection ($250). Via Forward, the wines are very small production, with only 1,680 bottles of each Reserve tier varietal and only 100 bottles of the Private Collection produced.
The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Galilee. With its higher altitude and cooler climate, Galilee wines have freshness and vibrant acidity. The Capernaum is a bolder, more fruit-forward blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Petit Verdot. It is also aged for 24 months in oak barrels, giving it a fuller finish laced with vanilla and black pepper.
Stoudemire Wines are available for purchase at Sky View Wine & Spirits or OnlineKosherWine.com.
Photo credit: OnlineKosherWine.com