The world of wines offers a delightful journey into a variety of unique flavors and distinct nuances. Yet, there’s something notably exceptional about the burst of freshness and the sweet undertones of strawberry wines, a category of wines that has been garnering considerable attention in recent times.
Strawberry wines present a tantalizing blend of the traditional elegance of wines with the fruity charm of strawberries. The rising popularity of these wines can be attributed to a fusion of their soothing taste, alluring aroma, and the versatility they offer in pairing with a vast array of foods.
The year 2021 has unveiled a selection of strawberry wines that have drawn both wine connoisseurs and beginners into a remarkable tasting experience. Here’s an elaborative compilation of our top recommendations for strawberry wines that you must try this year.
The Fascinating Process of Fermenting Strawberries
In the world of winemaking, a question often arises: can strawberries undergo the process of fermentation? The answer is a definitive yes. The process of creating strawberry wine is intriguing in its simplicity, and yet, it results in a product that is delightfully complex in flavor. Understanding this intricate process offers an enlightening look into the world of wine-making.
First, the process begins with the harvesting of fresh strawberries. The choice of strawberries is crucial here, as the quality and sweetness of the fruit will significantly influence the taste of the wine.
Following the harvesting, the strawberries undergo the process of fermentation. This is a fascinating procedure involving the transformation of the strawberries’ fruit juice by yeast and bacteria. The yeast consumes the natural sugars in the strawberries, producing alcohol and gas in the form of carbon dioxide, which can be observed as a foaming effect.
This might be likened to the fruit “rotting” over a period of time. However, it is, in reality, a controlled process that is carefully monitored to ensure the right balance of flavors. The duration of this process can vary, though it typically lasts for a few months.
Once the fermentation process has effectively transformed the fruit, the resulting liquid, rich with the flavors of the strawberries, is then transferred and stored in bottles. The bottled strawberry wine is then left to age for a few more months.
It’s worth noting that the fermentation process is not exclusive to winemaking. It is also employed in the creation of several other popular food and drink items such as kombucha, beer, and apple cider vinegar, to name a few.
2021’s Top Strawberry Wines for the Discerning Palate
Venturing into the delectable world of strawberry wines? To aid your search for the perfect bottle, here is a curated list of the top strawberry wines eagerly sipped by wine lovers in 2021:
- Chateau La Pointe Pomerol 2016 Start your wine journey with this enticing Bordeaux wine. It boasts a lusciously sweet strawberry and raspberry bouquet, sure to tantalize your senses with its aroma. An indulgence at $64.99 a bottle, the Chateau La Pointe justifies its price with an intense style and an alcohol content of 14%. This wine promises an unforgettable journey through the vineyards of France;
- Il Duva Rosa Imperiale Hailing from the renowned vineyards of Italy’s Piedmont region, this classic gem boasts a unique blend of Brachetto grapes and strawberries. Its delicate yet flavorful profile positions it as an excellent accompaniment to cheese and bread, rendering it a must-have during your Italian-themed gatherings;
- Hinnant Strawberry From the vineyards of North Carolina comes this delightfully sweet wine made entirely from handpicked fresh strawberries. If you prefer your wines on the sweeter side, a bottle of Hinnant Strawberry is a solid choice. Pair it with cheese and crackers, and serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience;
- Arbor Mist Strawberry White Zinfandel This intriguing rosé from Arbor Mist marries strawberries with white zinfandel grapes, resulting in a combination that’s pleasantly surprising. Affordable and versatile, this wine is a perfect pairing for both fish and meat dishes;
- Arbor Mist Mango Strawberry Moscato If affordability without compromising quality is what you seek, the Arbor Mist Mango Strawberry Moscato is your pick. Priced at approximately $7, this New York creation combines mango and strawberry flavors, offering a unique, refreshing taste. If mango isn’t your preferred flavor, Arbor Mist has a pineapple variant too!;
- Sorbello Strawberry Moscato Representing Italian viticulture is the Sorbello Strawberry Moscato, a sweet and gentle sparkling wine. Ideal for a sunny morning, this wine can be your breakfast companion or your evening cocktail. Its versatility is sure to win you over!;
- Stella Fiore Brachetto Another commendable produce from Piedmont, the Stella Fiore Brachetto is a lively mix of wild berries and strawberries. Its affordability, deliciousness, and the playful effervescence it brings make it a cheerful addition to any gathering;
- Saladini Pilastri Rosso Piceno Originating from Italy’s Marches region, this red wine offers a silky blend of black cherries and strawberries, interspersed with a hint of spices and herbs. Priced around $22, it pairs well with high-end meals like veal marsala, rounding off your gourmet experience beautifully.
Crafting Homemade Strawberry Wine: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating your own homemade strawberry wine is an adventure in creativity and taste that can easily be undertaken in the comfort of your home. To embark on this journey to a delightful homemade brew, you’ll need:
- An optional 2 teaspoons of wine yeast for an additional kick;
- An earthenware crock for the fermentation process;
- 2 gallons of boiling water;
- 5 pounds of sugar for a balanced sweetness;
- 1 lemon for a hint of citrus;
- 7 pounds of fresh strawberries.
Let’s venture into the intricate steps of crafting your homemade strawberry wine.
The Strawberry Wine Recipe
- Preparation: To start off, thoroughly wash the strawberries to ensure they are clean and free of any impurities;
- Strawberry Prep: Carefully remove all the green stems from the strawberries;
- Mashing: Place the strawberries in an earthenware crock and gently mash them to release their juice;
- Boiling Water: Slowly pour boiling water over the mashed strawberries, ensuring the fruits are completely submerged;
- Adding Citrus: Squeeze some lemon juice into the mixture to your preference;
- Mixing: Stir the mixture vigorously for about 2 minutes;
- Adding Yeast: Once the temperature of your mixture is around 85 F, add in 2 teaspoons of wine yeast and blend;
- Resting Time: Cover the crock with a clean linen cloth and let it rest in a cool, dark place;
- Daily Stirring: For a period of one week, be sure to stir the mashed strawberries once daily;
- Bottling: After a week, transfer the crock’s liquid into 1-gallon glass wine bottles. Ensure the corks are slightly loose;
- Ageing Process: Leave the bottles in a cool, dark room for 3 months;
- Final Steps: When no more foaming or bubbling is visible, transfer the wine into clean bottles. It is recommended to let the wine age for at least a year before drinking.
Conclusion
From understanding the intricate process of strawberry fermentation to delving into their impact on modern viticulture, the realm of strawberry wines is as alluring as it is vast. As we explore the top strawberry wines of 2021 and engage in crafting homemade strawberry wine, the unique characteristics and versatility of these wines come to light. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a beginner looking to expand your wine tasting horizons, strawberry wines promise a delightful and unique experience. Explore, savor, and celebrate the world of strawberry wines as you navigate through this comprehensive guide. If you’re looking to broaden your understanding of herbal remedies, we highly recommend exploring the benefits of estafiate.