The notes question whether white wine is permitted at all for Kiddush. What is the ruling and what is the explanation?
Barry Epstein, Dallas, USA
The verse says, "Do not look upon wine when it is red" (Mishlei 23:31), which implies that only red wine is considered to be wine, as RASHI (here in Menachos) explains.
While others argue, the Ramban rules that white wine may not be used for Nesachim even b'Di'eved. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 272:4) quotes the opinion of the Ramban regarding the use of white wine for Kidush, and says that according to the Ramban white wine may not be used even b'Di'eved for Kidush. However, the Shulchan Aruch says that others rule differently, and the custom is to follow their opinion. This is our practice, although, l'Chatchilah we use red wine.
Y. Shaw