Wine Recipe

Universal · Beverage · 30 min total

Homemade wine is a rewarding project that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful beverage. This recipe yields a fruity red wine using grape juice and sugar, fermented with wine yeast.

Ingredients

• 4 liters (1 gallon) red grape juice (no preservatives)
• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (5g) wine yeast (e.g., Lalvin EC-1118)
• 1 teaspoon yeast nutrient
• 1 teaspoon pectic enzyme (optional, for clarity)
• 1 campden tablet (optional, to kill wild yeast)
• Water to top up to 5 liters

Instructions

1. Sanitize all equipment (fermenter, airlock, siphon, bottles) with a no-rinse sanitizer.
2. In a large pot, warm 1 liter of grape juice and dissolve the sugar completely. Do not boil.
3. Pour the sugar-juice mixture into the fermenter. Add the remaining grape juice and top up with water to 5 liters.
4. If using campden tablet, crush and stir in. Let sit for 24 hours to kill wild yeast.
5. After 24 hours, sprinkle the wine yeast and yeast nutrient on top. Stir gently. Attach airlock filled with water or sanitizer.
6. Ferment in a cool, dark place (18-24°C) for 7-10 days, until bubbling slows and sediment forms.
7. Siphon the wine into a clean carboy, leaving sediment behind. Attach airlock and let it clear for 2-4 weeks.
8. Siphon again into bottles, leaving sediment. Cork or cap bottles. Age at least 1 month before drinking.

Tips

• Use a hydrometer to measure specific gravity for accurate alcohol content.
• Store bottles on their side to keep corks moist.
• For sweeter wine, add non-fermentable sweetener after fermentation.

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