Everything About Concord Grape Wine
Many people are curious as to what the difference is between the grapes you buy at the store and the grapes you use for wine.
Thus, in this post we’ll differentiate between the 2 types of grapes and have a closer look at Concord grapes.
Facts About Concord Grapes
- Wine grapes are from the species Vitis Vinifera while Concord grapes (Bull’s Grape) are from the species Vitis Labrusca.
- Concord grapes got their name from the town in Massachusetts where they were developed.
- They are currently one of the most produced grapes in the United States.
- Welch’s is the most notable producer of these grapes. This company is internationally recognized for its grape juice and jelly.
Vitis Vinifera vs. Vitis Labrusca
What is the difference between Vitis Vinifera and Vitis Labrusca?
There are many differences between these two grape species; the most notable being:
- Concord grapes and others from the Vitis Labrusca species are considered “slip-skin” grapes. This means that the skin easily separates from the meat of the grape
- Concord grapes are notably larger and contain more juice than wine grapes
- V. Vinifera is the parent grape of V. Labrusca
- Surprisingly, Concord grapes actually contain less sugar than wine grapes
- Concord grapes are higher in acidity than wine grapes
Uses Of Concord Grapes
Following are various uses of Concord grapes:
- Grape juice
- Jelly
- Table grapes
- An alcohol-free alternative to communion wine
- Communion wine
But can Concord grapes be used for winemaking?
The short answer is yes.
However, Concord grape wine is very different than regular wine you are used to. It is rarely produced as wine sold in stores but rather as a hobby for at-home winemakers and hobbyists.
Concord Grape Wine Profile
These wines are most often made off-dry to sweet.
Manischewitz is the brand most commonly recognized when it comes to Concord grape wine, mainly on the East Coast. If you have had this wine, you have had Kosher Concord grape wine. These wines truly taste like fermented Welch’s grape juice.
Manischewitz is sometimes found in convenience stores that sell alcohol. This wine is cheap alcohol and not surprisingly, a past-time for many older people due to the price and taste.
Because Concord grapes are “slip-skins”, it is hard to obtain tannins when the grapes are pressed. This results in a low tannin wine.
Food Pairings With Concord Grape Wine
Below are a few food pairings that perfectly goes with the Concord grape wine:
- BBQ
- Pulled pork
- Roasted turkey
- Aged cheeses
How Much Does Concord Grape Wine Cost?
The average cost for a bottle is around $7.
Yes, it is very cheap.
Therefore, if you haven’t tried this wine yet, we recommend it just for the experience. While we usually focus on comparing different wine grape varietals, it will be a cool experience to try a completely different grape species.
How To Make Concord Grape Wine?
Do you have an interest in making your own wine?
Winemaking can be a cool and rewarding hobby.
However, starting out and buying the right equipment can be expensive.
If you want to make an experimental batch of wine to see if you are ready to commit to this hobby or to make sure you have the skills down; then start with making a batch of Concord grape wine.
Concord wine is easy and affordable to make. If it doesn’t turn out for any reason, you are not out a few hundred dollars.
More complicated recipes exist that include pectic enzymes, potassium sorbate, metabisulfite, acid blends, hydrometer, measuring specific gravity, testing sugar levels (brix), and testing acid levels. If you have experience with homebrew, winemaking, or have the help from vintners; then go forth with whichever recipe you choose.
Below are two beginner recipes from Winemakers Depot (where you can also get home winemaker and brewer supplies) that are tried and true and SIMPLE!
One is dry and one is sweet wine. Many people get overwhelmed at the idea of making wine because there are some long and complicated recipes out there.
Winemaking Recipes from Winemakers Depot
Homemade Dry Concord Grape Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 gallon water
- 1 & 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon yeast nutrient
- 10 lbs fresh Concord grapes
- 1 package wine yeast
Procedure
- Bring water and sugar to boil in a large pot.
- Separate grapes from stems and place in primary fermentation container.
- Crush grapes and pour water into container.
- Let it cool until room temperature.
- Stir in yeast nutrient and yeast.
- Cover and let sit for 1 day.
- Ferment for 3 weeks stirring once a day.
- Strain through mesh bag into secondary fermentation container.
- Let rest for 1 month. Rack and let sit for 2 months. Rack into bottles and let rest for at least 9 months before serving.
Homemade Sweet Concord Grape Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 gallon water
- 4 cups sugar
- 6 cups fresh Concord grapes
- 1 Campden tablet
- 1 teaspoon yeast nutrient
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 package wine yeast
Procedure
- Bring water and sugar to a boil.
- Crush grapes in primary fermentation container.
- Add water, crushed Campden tablet, yeast nutrient, and lemon juice.
- Let it cool to room temperature.
- Add yeast, stir, and cover.
- Let rest for 1 week.
- Strain into secondary fermentation container and airlock.
- Rack every month for 8 months. Place in bottles. Wine will be ready in 1 year.
Top 3 Concord Grape Wines
If you are looking for some Concord grape wine options in the market, here’s our top 3 picks for the same:
S.No. |
Product |
Average Price |
|
1. |
Manischewitz American Concord |
$5 |
|
2. |
St. James Winery Velvet Red |
$7 |
|
3. |
Oliver Winery Sweet, Red |
$9 |
That’s a wrap!
If you still have any queries, you can write it in the comments section below and we would love to answer them.
Thanks for reading.
