Rashi Light White Concord

Rashi Light White Concord is a semi-sweet, low-alcohol kosher white wine made from New York State Concord grapes at 6% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Its unusually low alcohol content — roughly half that of a standard table wine — and Mevushal certification under OU supervision (Rabbi Zinner) make it a distinctive option within the kosher wine category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6%  |  Origin: New York State, USA  |  Semi-Sweet White  |  Producer: Rashi

Production & Heritage

Rashi produces this wine from Concord grapes grown in New York State, a region with a long history of Concord grape cultivation dating back to the 19th century. The "Light" designation reflects the wine's intentionally reduced alcohol level of 6%, achieved during fermentation. As a Mevushal wine produced under the strict kosher supervision of the Orthodox Union (OU) and Rabbi Zinner, it has been flash-pasteurized, allowing it to be served by anyone while maintaining its kosher status — an important practical consideration for communal gatherings, Shabbat meals, and holiday celebrations.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Characteristic Concord grape fragrance with ripe, candied fruit notes and a light floral quality. The nose is inviting and immediately recognizable to anyone familiar with the varietal.

Taste: The entry is soft and sweet, with that unmistakable Concord grape flavor — grapey, bright, and straightforward. The mid-palate stays smooth and refreshing, with the low alcohol contributing a lighter body than traditional Concord wines. A gentle semi-sweet character carries through without becoming cloying.

Finish: Short and clean, with lingering grape sweetness and a crisp, refreshing close. The low alcohol ensures the finish feels light rather than warming.

How to Drink Rashi Light White Concord

Serve well chilled — around 40–45°F — for maximum refreshment. The low alcohol and natural sweetness make it enjoyable on its own as a casual sipper. It works in a Wine Spritzer with club soda and a lemon twist, where its sweetness balances the effervescence nicely. Try it in a Sangria Blanca, where the grapey character pairs well with sliced stone fruits and citrus. It also functions as a lighter alternative in a Kir variation, substituting for dry white wine with a splash of cassis to complement the Concord fruit.

Best For

• Shabbat dinners and Jewish holiday celebrations requiring Mevushal wine
• Warm-weather gatherings where a lower-alcohol, chilled wine is preferred
• Introducing wine to those who prefer sweeter, lighter-bodied styles
• Kiddush and communal meals where kosher service requirements apply

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rashi Light White Concord taste like? It delivers a smooth, semi-sweet Concord grape flavor with a crisp, refreshing quality and noticeably light body due to its 6% ABV. The dominant impression is bright, grapey sweetness without heaviness.

How does Rashi Light White Concord compare to Manischewitz Concord? Both are kosher Concord grape wines, but Rashi Light White Concord has significantly lower alcohol (6% versus Manischewitz's roughly 11–12%) and a lighter body. Consumers who enjoy Manischewitz often find Rashi Light to be a less intense, more refreshing alternative within the same general flavor family.

Is Rashi Light White Concord good for beginners? Yes — the semi-sweet flavor and low 6% ABV make it very approachable for those new to wine or for anyone who prefers sweeter, lighter styles without a strong alcohol presence.

Where is Rashi Light White Concord made? It is produced from Concord grapes grown in New York State, one of the most established Concord grape-growing regions in the United States. The wine is made under OU kosher supervision with Rabbi Zinner overseeing its Mevushal certification.

What foods pair well with Rashi Light White Concord? Challah and honey during Rosh Hashanah complement its natural sweetness. Fresh fruit platters with melon, berries, and grapes echo its fruity character. Mild soft cheeses like cream cheese on crackers work well with the wine's gentle acidity. Light salads with vinaigrette provide contrast to the sweetness. Peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches may sound whimsical, but the classic Concord grape flavor is a natural match.

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

Is Rashi Light White Concord worth the price? It positions as a value-tier kosher wine, and its combination of OU Mevushal certification and 6% ABV fills a specific niche that few competitors address. For those who need a certified kosher wine with lower alcohol, it delivers solid value in its category.

Why Rashi Light White Concord?

The primary differentiator here is the 6% ABV — genuinely uncommon in the kosher wine market, where most Concord wines land in the 10–12% range. That lower alcohol level isn't just a label claim; it fundamentally changes the drinking experience, producing a wine that feels closer to a light spritzer than a traditional table wine. The Mevushal certification under OU and Rabbi Zinner ensures broad kosher applicability, from Kiddush to communal catering. For anyone seeking a sweet, easy-drinking kosher Concord wine without the alcohol weight of standard offerings, this fills a gap that very few products in the category occupy.