Elderberry Wine
User Reviews
5
Elderberry Wine
Description
This elderberry wine recipe starts by crushing 9 to 15 pounds of elderberries to release juice without liquefying. The berries are simmered with spring water and an initial 3 pounds of sugar to help extract flavor and improve color. After cooling, acidity and sugar levels are tested and adjusted with tartaric acid and additional sugar as needed, since wild elderberries vary in composition.
The mixture is supplemented with pectic enzyme to clarify the wine and yeast nutrients to support fermentation. After chilling below 50°F, specific wine yeast is added for controlled fermentation. The method requires multiple steps and careful measurements to achieve a balanced wine.
The resulting wine carries elderberry's deep, earthy berry flavors combined with subtle tartness. It requires extended aging to develop complexity and smooth out sharp edges. The process mostly focuses on the initial preparation; fermentation and maturation times are longer and critical for quality.
Ingredients
- 9 to 15 pounds elderberries stems removed
- 10 quarts water spring water is best
- 3 to 6 pounds sugar see above for exact amount
- tartaric acid (see above for exact amount)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pectic enzyme
- 3 teaspoons yeast nutrient
- wine yeast
Instructions
- Crush the berries by hand, or pulse them in a food processor in batches just enough to break up the berries. Do not liquefy them.
- Pour the crushed berries into a large pot with 10 quarts of water. Add 3 pounds of the sugar. Bring to a simmer, then turn off the heat. Heating elderberries makes them easier to digest, and helps set the color of the wine.
- Pour the juice into a freshly cleaned 5-gallon bucket and let it cool to room temperature. Test the juice for acid and sugar. Both may be a little low, so be prepared to add another 1 to -3 pounds of sugar and possibly tartaric acid. Add tartaric acid to get the juice to about 7 grams per liter. You might not need to add any – I’ve had elderberry batches that needed no additional acid and, others that needed a lot. We’re dealing with a wild food, and wild foods are variable.
- Add the pectic enzyme (and tannin, for blueberries and blackberries and blueberries), and chill to below 50°F in the fridge or with ice packs. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on the juice to keep out air. Keep the juice covered and at this temperature for up to 3 days. The longer you cold soak, the more flavor you extract. (But you run a higher risk of oxidation, which will turn the wine an unappetizing brown, or of spontaneous fermentation, which can ruin the whole batch.)
- On the third day, bring the juice up to room temperature. Add half the yeast nutrient as the juice warms. Once the juice is at room temperature, hydrate your yeast and add it in, then follow the above directions from here.
Notes
- Initial preparation takes a day; allow several months for fermentation and aging before drinking.
- Adjust sugar and acid precisely to accommodate natural variation in elderberry batches.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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