Manischewitz Blackberry

Manischewitz Blackberry is a sweet kosher fruit wine made from blackberry concentrate, bottled at 11% ABV in a 750ml format. Unlike the rest of the Manischewitz lineup, which relies on Concord and other grape varieties, the Blackberry expression is a true fruit wine — fermented entirely from berry concentrate rather than grapes, placing it in a distinctive category of its own.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11%  |  Origin: Canandaigua, New York, USA  |  Style: Sweet Blackberry Fruit Wine  |  Producer: Manischewitz (E & J Gallo)

Production & Heritage

Manischewitz has been one of the most recognized names in American kosher wine for generations. Production currently takes place in Canandaigua, New York, under the ownership of E & J Gallo Winery, one of the world's largest wine producers. The Blackberry is fermented from blackberry concentrate at a controlled 65°F in stainless steel tanks — a method designed to preserve the fruit's natural aromatics and sweetness. Only two expressions in the Manischewitz portfolio — Blackberry and Cherry — are fruit wines rather than grape wines, making the Blackberry a genuine outlier in the range.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens immediately with ripe blackberry jam and dark berry preserves. There is a straightforward, almost nostalgic fruitiness — no complexity to decode, just clean, unmistakable blackberry.

Taste: The palate is sweet and fruit-forward from the first sip, delivering juicy dark berry flavors that sit squarely in blackberry territory. The body is medium, with a smooth texture and gentle acidity that keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying. The fruit concentration is unapologetic — this wine knows exactly what it is.

Finish: The finish is soft and moderately short, trailing off with residual blackberry sweetness and a light fruity echo. There is no tannin or bitterness — just a clean, pleasant fade.

How to Drink Manischewitz Blackberry

Serve well-chilled, ideally between 40–45°F. The pronounced sweetness and lower alcohol make it a natural choice for drinking on its own as a dessert wine or pairing with fruit-based dishes. A Blackberry Sangria works beautifully, as the wine's concentrated berry character anchors the punch with minimal added sugar. A simple Berry Spritzer — equal parts wine and sparkling water over ice — tames the sweetness for warm-weather sipping. It also holds up in a Kir-style cocktail, subbed in for crème de cassis alongside a dry sparkling wine, where it contributes both sweetness and color.

Best For

• Seder tables and Jewish holiday celebrations where kosher certification is essential
• Dessert wine service after a rich meal
• Introducing non-wine-drinkers to wine through a familiar fruit flavor
• Warm-weather spritzers and casual entertaining

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Manischewitz Blackberry taste like? It is a distinctly sweet, fruit-forward wine dominated by ripe blackberry jam and dark berry flavors, with a smooth, medium body and gentle acidity.

How does Manischewitz Blackberry compare to Mogen David Concord? Both are sweet, kosher wines at a similar price tier, but Manischewitz Blackberry is a fruit wine made from blackberry concentrate, while Mogen David Concord is grape-based. The Manischewitz delivers pure berry character, whereas Mogen David leans into the distinctive musky sweetness of Concord grapes.

Is Manischewitz Blackberry good for beginners? Yes — its approachable sweetness and familiar fruit flavor make it an easy entry point for those who find dry wines intimidating or unappealing.

Where is Manischewitz Blackberry made? It is produced in Canandaigua, New York, at facilities owned by E & J Gallo Winery, which currently holds the Manischewitz wine brand.

What foods pair well with Manischewitz Blackberry? Dark chocolate desserts complement the berry sweetness without competing. Cheesecake — especially with a berry compote — mirrors the wine's fruit profile. Brie or creamy goat cheese provides a savory counterpoint. Fresh fruit platters with berries and stone fruit create a natural echo, and pound cake or vanilla ice cream keep things simple and harmonious.

What sizes does Manischewitz Blackberry come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.

Is Manischewitz Blackberry worth the price? Manischewitz Blackberry positions firmly as a budget-friendly, everyday sweet wine. It delivers exactly what it promises — bold blackberry flavor in a kosher-certified package — and at its price tier, it represents solid value for those who enjoy sweet fruit wines.

Why Manischewitz Blackberry?

What distinguishes this wine is its identity as a true fruit wine, not a flavored grape wine. Only two expressions in the entire Manischewitz lineup — Blackberry and Cherry — are made from berry concentrate rather than grapes, giving the Blackberry a purity of flavor that flavored grape wines rarely achieve. The stainless steel fermentation at a cool 65°F preserves the fruit's natural brightness rather than cooking it into something muddy. For kosher wine drinkers, sweet wine enthusiasts, or anyone looking for an unambiguous blackberry experience at a modest price point, this remains one of the most recognizable and accessible options in the American market.