When most people think of wine, they usually think of the classic varieties made from grapes, such as Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon. However, wine can be made from a variety of fruits, including strawberries. Strawberry wine is a delicious and refreshing alternative to traditional grape wine, and it's easy to make at home.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in strawberry wine, particularly among small-scale winemakers and enthusiasts who appreciate its unique flavour and aroma. It is often made using high-quality, locally grown strawberries and traditional winemaking techniques, resulting in a delicious and complex wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods.
History of Strawberry Wine
Strawberry wine has a long and interesting history dating back centuries. The earliest recorded mention of strawberry wine dates back to the 14th century, when it was made in England and used for medicinal purposes. In the 16th century, it became more popular as a drink, and it was even mentioned in Shakespeare's play "The Two Gentlemen of Verona".
During the 18th and 19th centuries, strawberry wine became more widely popular in Europe and made an entrance in North America, particularly among the upper classes. It was often served as a dessert wine or a refreshing summer drink. In the early 20th century, with the advent of modern winemaking techniques, strawberry wine began to be made on a larger scale and became more widely available. However, it was often made from low-quality fruit and had a reputation for being a cheap and inferior wine. Today, strawberry wine is usually made using the highest quality strawberries, picked at the peak of the strawberries season, when the berries are plump and sweet, giving the wine its luscious rich flavour.
Making Strawberry Wine
The process of making strawberry wine is similar to that of grape wine. The first step is to select ripe, fresh strawberries. Frozen strawberries can also be used, but fresh ones will give the wine a much better flavour. The berries should be washed, hulled, and crushed before being placed in a fermentation vessel. Then yeast is added to begin the fermentation process. The fermentation time can vary, but it typically takes about two weeks for the wine to be ready to bottle. During the fermentation process, the yeast will consume the natural sugars in the strawberries, converting them into alcohol.
Ingredients for Strawberry wine:
4 kg of fresh strawberries
1.8 kg of granulated sugar
4.5 litres of water
1 package of wine yeast (5 grams)
1 teaspoon of yeast nutrient
How you make Strawberry wine:
Rinse the strawberries in cold water and remove any stems or leaves.
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the strawberries to the pot and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pot from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Once the strawberry mixture has cooled, transfer it to a fermentation vessel, such as a glass carboy or plastic bucket.
Add the granulated sugar and yeast nutrients to the fermentation vessel and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Sprinkle the wine yeast over the surface of the liquid and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes.
Stir the liquid gently to distribute the yeast throughout the mixture.
Cover the fermentation vessel with a lid or a piece of cloth secured with a rubber band.
Let the mixture ferment at room temperature for about 10-14 days, stirring it gently every day or two.
Once the fermentation slows down and the bubbling stops, transfer the strawberry wine to a clean sterilized container such as a carboy or demijohn with an airlock, and let it age for at least 2-3 months before bottling and enjoying.
Once the wine has aged to your liking, pour it into glasses and enjoy!
Note: The yield of this recipe is approximately 4 litres of wine. You can adjust the amount of sugar and yeast nutrients used according to your personal taste and preference.
Flavour Profile
The flavour profile of strawberry wine can vary depending on factors such as the type of strawberry used, the fermentation process, and the ageing process. However, in general, strawberry wine has a unique and pleasant flavour that is distinct from other types of fruit wines.
Strawberry wine typically has a bright, fruity aroma with strong notes of fresh strawberries and other red fruits such as raspberries or cherries. On the palate, it has a sweet and tart flavour that is reminiscent of fresh strawberries, with hints of floral and herbal notes. The sweetness can vary depending on the amount of sugar added during the winemaking process, and the tartness can be influenced by the acidity of the strawberries.
In terms of the body, strawberry wine is typically light to medium-bodied with a smooth and refreshing mouthfeel. Some winemakers may choose to oak age their strawberry wine, which can add a subtle vanilla or spice note to the wine.
Pairing strawberry wine with Food
Strawberry wine is a versatile and delicious wine that pairs perfectly with a variety of foods. Its flavour profile makes it an excellent choice for warm summer days or when paired with light, fresh dishes, such as a summer salad, grilled chicken, and fish dishes.
Strawberry wine also makes an excellent accompaniment to cheese and fruit plates. When served with fresh strawberries and a light cheese such as brie, the wine's fruity notes and subtle sweetness bring out the flavours of the cheese and fruit, creating a perfect harmony of tastes.
Experience its delicious flavour for yourself
Today, strawberry wine is a popular drink in many parts of the world, and it continues to evolve as winemakers experiment with different varieties of strawberries and fermentation techniques to create new and exciting flavours. It's easy to make at home and can be enjoyed year-round, but it's especially perfect for summertime sipping. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just looking to try something new, strawberry wine is definitely worth trying.
