Just a couple of things. You mentioned my Black Muscat, and you mentioned Muscat Hamburg. Not everyone would know that Black Muscat is synonymous with Muscat Hamburg in the labeling legalities of the USA, and I specifically used Black Muscat because of the possible negative associations with Germany. Also, Rashi was a competing brand from Yossie Zucker, a previous alumnus of Royal, and possibly the originator of decent quality kosher wine coming out of Italy (the Bartenura Soave and Valpolicella were very marginal). And by the way, also the person who came out with Su Vino Joven, which became Joyvin when Royal took over the brand. Now relegated to also-ran status, Rashi was at one time the good stuff. A tidbit, is that well before Zucker's Rashi, we almost named GAN EDEN the brand name Rashi instead. We were looking for a name which would be compatible with the nonJewish drinker, while still denoting a familiar concept in the Jewish market. Rashi made a significant number of people uncomfortable, sounding a bit like an Indian cult figure (Although I never heard of any cult figures named Maharashi, but that came up enough so we nixed it).
Thanks! Yes, I was aware of the Black Muscat/Muscat Hamburg labeling thing — you may even have been the one to inform me of it back in the day (can’t recall now). I think Yossie Zucker was indeed the progenitor of quality kosher Italian wine for the US market; though I was not aware of the Su Vino Joven incarnation! I also don’t think I ever knew about your considering Rashi for Gan Eden. I think you made the right call there!
Printing this out for reading on Shabbat. Thanks for the education!!
My pleasure. Shabbat shalom!
Just a couple of things. You mentioned my Black Muscat, and you mentioned Muscat Hamburg. Not everyone would know that Black Muscat is synonymous with Muscat Hamburg in the labeling legalities of the USA, and I specifically used Black Muscat because of the possible negative associations with Germany. Also, Rashi was a competing brand from Yossie Zucker, a previous alumnus of Royal, and possibly the originator of decent quality kosher wine coming out of Italy (the Bartenura Soave and Valpolicella were very marginal). And by the way, also the person who came out with Su Vino Joven, which became Joyvin when Royal took over the brand. Now relegated to also-ran status, Rashi was at one time the good stuff. A tidbit, is that well before Zucker's Rashi, we almost named GAN EDEN the brand name Rashi instead. We were looking for a name which would be compatible with the nonJewish drinker, while still denoting a familiar concept in the Jewish market. Rashi made a significant number of people uncomfortable, sounding a bit like an Indian cult figure (Although I never heard of any cult figures named Maharashi, but that came up enough so we nixed it).
Thanks! Yes, I was aware of the Black Muscat/Muscat Hamburg labeling thing — you may even have been the one to inform me of it back in the day (can’t recall now). I think Yossie Zucker was indeed the progenitor of quality kosher Italian wine for the US market; though I was not aware of the Su Vino Joven incarnation! I also don’t think I ever knew about your considering Rashi for Gan Eden. I think you made the right call there!
Re: the labeling legalities, for anyone else reading these comments wanting details -- see https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-27/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-4/subpart-J/section-4.91