Rashi Concord

Rashi Concord is a sweet kosher wine made from Concord grapes, bottled at 5.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced as a Mevushal wine from New York State fruit, it holds a distinctive place among kosher Concord grape wines for its balance of sweetness and layered dark-fruit character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.5%  |  Origin: New York State, USA  |  Varietal: Concord Grape  |  Style: Sweet Kosher (Mevushal)

Production & Heritage

Rashi is an Italian-based kosher wine producer with additional operations in New York and California. The Concord expression is sourced from New York State Concord grapes, a native American variety long associated with kosher winemaking in the northeastern United States. What distinguishes Rashi Concord from non-Mevushal wines is its flash-pasteurization process: the wine is rapidly heated to a specific temperature and immediately chilled back to room temperature. This Mevushal method ensures the wine retains its kosher status even when handled by non-observant or non-Jewish individuals, making it suitable for kosher restaurants, catering, and communal Shabbat and holiday tables — all with minimal impact on flavor.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe Concord grape and sweet plum, followed by inviting layers of butterscotch and a subtle hint of cinnamon. A faint chocolate-like undercurrent adds depth as the wine breathes.

Taste: The palate entry is unmistakably sweet, led by dark plum and raisin flavors. Mid-palate, caramel and prune notes emerge alongside touches of mocha and baking spice. Oak and herbal undertones provide a modest framework beneath the fruit-forward sweetness.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length, soft in texture, and marked by lingering sweet plum and a whisper of chocolate. A gentle warmth from the residual sugar carries through without becoming heavy.

How to Drink Rashi Concord

Serve well chilled at approximately 45–50°F to let the fruit sweetness shine while keeping the body refreshing. Its low alcohol and pronounced sweetness also make it a natural fit in wine-based mixed drinks.

• Concord Grape Spritzer: Top with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime for a light, effervescent sipper that tames the sweetness.
• Mulled Wine: Warm gently with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel — the existing butterscotch and spice notes amplify beautifully when heated.
• Wine Sangria: Combine with fresh berries, sliced stone fruit, and a splash of brandy; the grape-forward sweetness forms a rich, fruity base.

Best For

• Passover Seder and other Jewish holiday celebrations requiring Mevushal-certified wine
• Shabbat Kiddush where the wine must be handled by various servers or guests
• Introducing new wine drinkers who prefer sweet, fruit-forward styles
• Casual warm-weather entertaining when served chilled or as a spritzer

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rashi Concord taste like? Rashi Concord delivers a distinctly sweet profile dominated by dark plum, raisin, and butterscotch, with secondary notes of chocolate, caramel, and cinnamon spice. It is fruit-forward with low alcohol, making it approachable and dessert-like.

How does Rashi Concord compare to Manischewitz Concord Grape? Both are sweet, Mevushal kosher wines made from Concord grapes and serve similar ceremonial and everyday roles. Rashi Concord is generally regarded as slightly more balanced in sweetness, while Manischewitz Concord Grape is often described as more intensely and singularly sweet.

Is Rashi Concord good for beginners? Yes — its low 5.5% ABV and pronounced grape sweetness make it one of the most accessible wines available, particularly appealing to those who do not typically enjoy dry wines.

Where is Rashi Concord made? Rashi Concord is produced from Concord grapes grown in New York State by the Rashi winery, an Italian-based kosher wine producer with additional operations in New York and California.

What foods pair well with Rashi Concord? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or peanut butter desserts mirror the grape-and-nut combination naturally. Brisket with a sweet glaze complements the wine's caramel notes. Challah bread highlights the butterscotch quality. Dark chocolate truffles echo the cocoa undertones. Fruit tarts with plum or berry fillings reinforce the wine's core fruit character.

What sizes does Rashi Concord come in? Rashi Concord is most commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle, though a 1.5L format may also be found depending on market availability.

Is Rashi Concord worth the price? Rashi Concord positions as a budget-friendly, entry-level kosher wine, and it delivers solid value within that category — particularly for those seeking a certified Mevushal option for holidays, Kiddush, or casual drinking.

Why Rashi Concord?

Rashi Concord earns its place in the kosher wine category through a combination of Mevushal certification and a more nuanced flavor profile than many competing sweet Concord wines. The flash-pasteurization process allows it to be freely handled in any kosher service environment without sacrificing noticeable quality. At 5.5% ABV, it remains one of the lightest and most approachable options for holiday tables and casual occasions alike. For anyone seeking a reliable, sweet kosher wine with genuine Concord grape character and versatile service credentials, Rashi Concord is a well-established choice.