Kesser Red Concord

Kesser Red Concord is a naturally sweet kosher red wine made from 100% Concord grapes at 7% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Produced by Joseph Zakon Winery in Brooklyn, New York — a house founded in 1981 — this mevushal wine carries deep roots in Jewish tradition, with the name "Kesser" translating to "crown" in Hebrew, chosen with a Kabbalistic approach to reflect spiritual leadership.

Quick Facts: ABV: 7%  |  Origin: New York, USA  |  Varietal: 100% Concord  |  Producer: Joseph Zakon Winery (est. 1981)

Production & Heritage

Joseph Zakon Winery, operating out of Brooklyn since 1981, produces Kesser Red Concord from New York-grown Concord grapes. The wine is classified as mevushal — flash-pasteurized to maintain its kosher status even when handled by non-observant individuals — produced under the kosher supervision of the OK, Rabbi Weinberger, and the Lubavitch Beit Din. This style of winemaking is purpose-built for ritual use, particularly Kiddush (the sanctification blessing over wine), though it functions equally well as an everyday sweet table wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep purple in the glass, the nose opens with pronounced Concord grape aromatics — unmistakable grape jelly and fresh dark berry fruit. Behind the initial burst sits a soft, candied sweetness without any sharp edges.

Taste: The entry is immediately sweet and fruit-forward, with bright jammy flavors dominating the palate. At mid-palate, the wine reveals a smooth, velvety texture that rounds out the natural grape sweetness. The low 7% alcohol keeps things gentle and approachable, with no heat or bitterness interrupting the fruit.

Finish: The finish is short to medium, trailing off with lingering grape preserves and a clean, sweet fade. There is no tannic grip or astringency — the wine exits as smoothly as it arrives.

How to Drink Kesser Red Concord

Serve chilled or slightly below room temperature for the best expression of its fruit-forward sweetness; this wine is most at home poured straight for Kiddush or sipped on its own. A Red Concord Spritzer — topped with chilled sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon — makes a refreshing low-alcohol warm-weather drink. It also works in a Wine Cooler with ice and sliced fruit for casual gatherings, or as the sweet wine base in a Sangria, where its intense grape character holds up well against citrus and spices.

Best For

• Kiddush and Shabbat table observance
• Passover Seder and Jewish holiday celebrations
• Introducing younger or new wine drinkers to red wine
• Light dessert pairings at family gatherings

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kesser Red Concord taste like? Kesser Red Concord is a sweet, fruit-driven wine with prominent grape jelly and dark berry flavors, a velvety texture, and a smooth, low-alcohol finish at just 7% ABV.

How does Kesser Red Concord compare to Bartenura Moscato? Both are popular sweet kosher wines, but Kesser Red Concord is a red wine made from Concord grapes with deep jammy fruit character, while Bartenura Moscato is a white Italian Moscato with floral and stone-fruit notes. Kesser also sits at a lower ABV (7% versus Bartenura's approximately 5.5%), though both target the sweet kosher wine market.

Is Kesser Red Concord good for Kiddush? Yes — Kesser Red Concord is specifically styled as a Kiddush wine, with mevushal certification ensuring it remains kosher regardless of who handles or pours it, making it one of the most traditional choices for the blessing over wine.

Where is Kesser Red Concord made? Kesser Red Concord is produced by Joseph Zakon Winery in Brooklyn, New York, using Concord grapes grown in New York State.

What foods pair well with Kesser Red Concord? Its natural sweetness pairs well with challah bread during Shabbat, mild soft cheeses like cream cheese or brie, fresh fruit platters including strawberries and grapes, honey cake and other lightly spiced desserts, and dark chocolate for a simple after-dinner combination.

What sizes does Kesser Red Concord come in? Kesser Red Concord is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle and is also frequently found in 1.5L formats suited for larger gatherings and holiday tables.

Is Kesser Red Concord worth the price? Kesser Red Concord positions squarely as a value-tier kosher wine, making it one of the most affordable options for regular Kiddush use, holiday observance, and everyday sweet wine drinking without straining a household budget.

Why Kesser Red Concord?

What distinguishes Kesser Red Concord is its specific design as a purpose-built Kiddush wine from a winery with over four decades in the kosher wine space. Joseph Zakon Winery's decision to name the brand using Kabbalistic principles reflects a seriousness about the ritual role this wine serves — it is not merely a sweet red that happens to be kosher. The mevushal certification under the Lubavitch Beit Din and OK supervision provides a level of kosher assurance that matters for observant households. At 7% ABV, it remains one of the gentlest, most approachable red wines available, delivering unmistakable Concord grape character in a format built for tradition.