Kedem Concord Kal

Kedem Concord Kal is a low-alcohol kosher Concord grape wine bottled at just 3.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Kedem Winery in New York's Hudson Valley, this expression stands apart for its remarkably light body and gentle sweetness, making it one of the lowest-alcohol Concord wines on the market. It carries Orthodox Union kosher certification, is Mevushal, and is certified vegan.

Quick Facts: ABV: 3.5%  |  Origin: Hudson Valley, New York  |  Varietal: 100% Concord Grape  |  Producer: Kedem Winery, Marlboro, NY

Production & Heritage

Kedem Winery operates out of Marlboro, New York, in the Hudson Valley — a region with a long history of Concord grape cultivation. The winery is one of the most recognized names in American kosher wine production, drawing on generations of winemaking tradition. Concord Kal — "Kal" meaning "light" in Hebrew — is made from 100% New York State Concord grapes and undergoes the Mevushal process (flash pasteurization) required for certain kosher applications. The resulting wine is naturally produced, vegan certified, and sits at a notably low 3.5% ABV, roughly half the alcohol of most standard Concord wines in Kedem's lineup.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with unmistakable Concord grape — ripe, jammy, and bursting with candied fruit. Underneath, there are clear notes of cherry preserves and a subtle sugary sweetness reminiscent of grape jelly.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is soft and immediately sweet, with bright Concord grape flavor dominating from start to finish. The mid-palate stays light and uncomplicated, with ripe fruit sweetness that never turns cloying thanks to the wine's low body and minimal alcohol. There is very little tannin or acidity to contend with.

Finish: The finish is short and clean, tapering off with a gentle echo of sweet grape and cherry. The low alcohol ensures there is no warmth or weight on the close.

How to Drink Concord Kal

Concord Kal is best served well chilled, between 40–45°F, to keep its sweetness refreshing rather than heavy. It drinks easily on its own as a light sipper. For a simple spritzer, top a glass with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime to brighten the fruit. It also works in a Wine Cooler, where the low alcohol pairs well with citrus juice and club soda. For a Sangria-style punch, combine with sliced seasonal fruit and a splash of orange juice — the natural grape sweetness eliminates the need for added sugar.

Best For

• Shabbat and Jewish holiday celebrations requiring Mevushal wine
• Guests who prefer a low-alcohol, sweet wine option
• Kiddush services and sacramental use
• Casual warm-weather sipping when a full-strength wine feels too heavy

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Concord Kal taste like? Concord Kal delivers a straightforward, sweet Concord grape flavor with notes of cherry jam and ripe fruit in a very light, easy-drinking body. The 3.5% ABV means there is virtually no alcohol presence on the palate.

How does Concord Kal compare to Kedem Concord Grape? Kedem's standard Concord Grape wine is richer, fuller-bodied, and higher in alcohol, while Concord Kal is specifically designed to be a lighter, lower-alcohol alternative using the same Concord grape varietal. Both are Mevushal and kosher certified, but Kal is the better choice for those seeking minimal alcohol content.

Is Concord Kal good for Kiddush? Yes — Concord Kal is Mevushal and carries Orthodox Union kosher certification, making it appropriate for Kiddush, Shabbat, and other religious observances where kosher wine is required.

Where is Concord Kal made? Concord Kal is produced by Kedem Winery in Marlboro, New York, located in the Hudson Valley region, using 100% Concord grapes grown in New York State.

What foods pair well with Concord Kal? Challah bread complements the wine's grape sweetness naturally. Peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches mirror the jammy Concord character. Fresh berry desserts like strawberry shortcake echo the fruity profile. Mild soft cheeses provide a subtle contrast to the sweetness. Simple butter cookies or sponge cake round out the pairing without competing for attention.

What sizes does Concord Kal come in? Concord Kal is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Concord Kal worth the price? Concord Kal positions as a value-tier kosher wine, priced accessibly within the Kedem range and the broader kosher Concord category. For those who specifically need a low-alcohol, Mevushal-certified option, it fills a niche that very few competitors address.

Why Concord Kal?

The defining characteristic of Concord Kal is its 3.5% ABV — dramatically lower than virtually any other Concord grape wine available in the kosher market. That single detail makes it genuinely useful for occasions where guests want to participate in a toast or Kiddush without consuming significant alcohol. Its Mevushal certification and Orthodox Union supervision ensure it meets strict kosher requirements, while its vegan certification broadens its appeal further. In a category where most options are interchangeable, Concord Kal occupies a distinct and practical position.