Kedem Wine: Cream Red Concord Review
In obvious news, this cheap alcohol review is one that’s near and dear to my heart. That’s because Kedem wine is a fixture at just about every American Shabbat table. It’s the sweet stuff that kosher palettes are developed from, and a sort of surreal slice of “so this is wine?” The Concord Cream Red is especially noteworthy, though.
It’s a $6 bottle that tastes like a wonderfully dysfunctional home—just how you like it. Up there with peach schnapps as a staple of of New York Ashkenazi culture, it promises a smooth experience that makes you wonder if you’re even drinking wine at all. The appeal has even bled over into my very Sefardi household. Moroccans are drinking it at this point, a cultural development I doubt anyone saw coming.
Kedem Cream Condord Red, Bryce Gruber
What is Kedem Cream Red Concord wine?
The concord grapes for this smooth, sweet red wine come from some of New York State's best vineyards. It’s a local staple that offers a 9% alocohol content, smooth sipping and Orthodox Union/Meshuval status.
Generally speaking, each 750ml bottle of Kedem wine only costs about $6. It’s affordable, splashy and definitely a dose of New York Jewish kitsch.
My Kedem Wine Cream Red Concord review
I’m going to level with you. Kedem wine gives off major cough syrup vibes, but in a more delightful way. Each sip is the perfect mash-up of fermented concord grapes., lollipops, the medicine your mom gave you as a child when you had strep and something… more. The more is the decidedly boozy element that Kedem Cream Red Concord wine offers. It’s the most decidedly upscale take on super low-brow wine that I’ve ever encountered, and a total gift.
Now, tradition states that this is a Kiddush wine. On Friday nights, Jewish families fill a silver goblet full of the stuff. I mean, so full of Kedem wine (or other kosher wine) that it literally runneth over. And then a blessing is recited, the table’s leader gulps down about half of it in a single swig and the rest of the attendees each get a single sip. That alone should tell you how drinkable this bad boy is. A dad or grandpa-type will literally guzzle three or so ounces in one sip and still smile.
But back to the Kedem wine’s flavor, shall we? I said it’s sweet, and it is. Though the name Cream Concord suggests a rich, creamy-like taste or texture, that’s really just not the case. It’s not the type of mix-it-with-cream vibe that you get from butterscotch schnapps or a splash of Irish cream. It’s the opposite, really.
If you ask anyone’s Savta/Bubbe, they’ll proudly tell you this is a wine meant to be consumed slightly chilled. Heck, she may even cut it with club soda and some ice cubes. Yes, seriously. And that’s just fine. Fran Fine.
Is Kedem wine kosher for Passover?
You bet your bottom matzah it is! Kedem wines are a staple of Passover seders, and this Cream Red Concord is no exception. It is certified OU/P.
Final verdict
If you like kitschy, conversation-worthy sweet wines and don’t want to spend much, Kedem wines in general are a good choice. This Kedem Cream Red Concord is a must-have for Shabbat gatherings with extended families, single-sip tastes and relatives who insist red wine should be sweet and chilled.
Where to buy Kedem wine
You can scoop up a bottle on the cheap from Drizly. Pairs well with horseradish-topped gefilte and all the girls you went to camp with who are still totally your friends.
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