Carmel King David Concord

Carmel King David Concord is a sweet, Mevushal kosher red wine made from 100% Concord grapes at 12.5% ABV in a standard 750ml bottle. Produced by Israel's oldest winery — Carmel Winery, founded in 1882 by Baron Edmond de Rothschild — this wine carries deep historical significance as one of the longest-running kosher labels in the world.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5%  |  Origin: Galilee, Israel  |  Style: Sweet Red Wine  |  Winery: Carmel Winery (est. 1882)

Production & Heritage

Carmel Winery was established in 1882 when Baron Edmond de Rothschild — patriarch of the famed Bordeaux wine dynasty — invested in vineyards across what is now Israel, making Carmel one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the region. King David Concord is produced from native American Concord grapes that were transplanted to Israeli soil, fermented with no added sugar to let the grape's natural sweetness dominate. The wine is Mevushal, meaning it undergoes flash-pasteurization under the rabbinical supervision of the Orthodox Union (OU), ensuring it maintains strict kosher status even when served by non-Jewish hands — an important distinction for synagogue use, catering, and holiday observance.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with intense Concord grape and ripe berry aromas, followed by notes of plum jam and a soft sugar-like sweetness. It is unmistakably varietal — if you've ever smelled fresh Concord grapes, this captures that character faithfully.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is luscious and immediately sweet, with flavors of blackberry jam and ripe Concord grape flooding the mid-palate. The body is light, keeping the wine from feeling heavy despite its pronounced sweetness, and the fruit flavors remain clean and direct throughout.

Finish: The finish is medium in length with well-balanced sweetness that doesn't turn cloying. Lingering notes of dark fruit and grape skin round things out smoothly.

How to Drink King David Concord

Serve chilled to around 55°F (13°C) to keep the sweetness refreshing and the fruit flavors vibrant. This wine is traditionally enjoyed during Jewish holidays and Shabbat but also works in several drink preparations:

• Wine Spritzer: Mix with chilled sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon to lighten the sweetness for warm-weather sipping.
• Sangria: The intense grape and berry profile serves as a natural base for a fruit-forward red sangria with sliced apples and citrus.
• Mulled Wine: The jammy sweetness pairs beautifully with cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel when gently warmed during colder months.

Best For

• Passover Seder and other Jewish holiday celebrations requiring kosher Mevushal wine
• Shabbat dinners where ease of service and broad appeal matter
• Introducing younger or less experienced wine drinkers to sweet red wine
• Catered events and synagogue functions requiring OU-certified Mevushal wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does King David Concord taste like? King David Concord is a sweet, light-bodied red wine with dominant flavors of Concord grape, blackberry jam, and ripe plum, finishing with balanced sweetness and soft fruit notes.

How does King David Concord compare to Manischewitz Concord Grape? Both are sweet kosher Concord grape wines, but King David Concord is produced at Carmel Winery in Israel's Galilee region with no added sugar, while Manischewitz is made in the United States. King David tends to present a slightly more fruit-forward profile with a smoother finish, though both occupy the same traditional sweet kosher wine category.

Is King David Concord good for Passover? Yes — King David Concord is Mevushal and certified kosher under Orthodox Union supervision, making it fully appropriate for Passover Seders, Shabbat, and all Jewish holiday observances.

Where is King David Concord made? King David Concord is produced by Carmel Winery in the Galilee region of Israel, the country's oldest winery, originally established in 1882 by Baron Edmond de Rothschild.

What foods pair well with King David Concord? The wine's sweetness complements a range of foods: challah bread, where its fruity character enhances the bread's mild sweetness; brisket with a sweet glaze, where both elements reinforce each other; fruit-based desserts like apple cake or berry tarts; mild cheeses such as cream cheese or brie; and chocolate desserts, particularly dark chocolate, which balances the grape-forward sweetness.

What sizes does King David Concord come in? King David Concord is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, with 1.5L formats also found in some markets.

Is King David Concord worth the price? King David Concord positions as an entry-level sweet kosher wine and delivers strong value within that category, particularly given Carmel Winery's heritage and the OU Mevushal certification that adds practical versatility for kosher observance.

Why King David Concord?

What separates King David Concord from the broader field of sweet kosher wines is its origin — it comes from Carmel Winery, the oldest winery in Israel, with roots tracing directly to Baron Edmond de Rothschild's 1882 viticultural investment. The wine is made from 100% Concord grapes with no added sugar, relying entirely on the natural sweetness of the varietal. Its Mevushal status under OU supervision gives it a practical advantage for any setting where kosher handling requirements are a consideration. For anyone seeking an authentic, Israeli-produced sweet red wine with genuine historical pedigree, King David Concord remains one of the most recognized and trusted names in the category.