Wine made from Moldova grapes is classified as table drinks. It has a good taste and aroma, goes well with meat dishes, and can easily complement a holiday table. The alcoholic product is unique in that it can be prepared independently and created without having high knowledge of winemaking. The recipe is not complicated; even a beginner can master the process.
Properties of homemade wine from Moldova grapes
Drinks made from Moldovan grapes have been well known since the times of the USSR; despite the years, they are still popular for the following reasons:
- They have a pleasant, tart taste and aroma.
- They are not very expensive (both alcohol and grapes of this variety).
- Pairs well with many dishes.
Wine made from berries of this variety will have a bright taste and dark color. The grapes are large, slightly elongated, “fleshy”. They are ideal for making wine.
Subtleties of cooking
When creating such a “capricious” drink as wine, you should adhere to a number of rules:
- when “working” with grapes, do not wash them; the surface of the berries contains live yeast, which is necessary for fermentation;
- keep containers with mash in a warm room with a stable temperature, changes can stop fermentation;
- protect the pulp from flies, cover the container with gauze so that insects do not get into the mash;
- periodically the wort needs to be stirred, this is done with a gloved hand or using a wooden spoon;
- when fermentation is slow, you can speed it up with sugar, this is the main “food” for microorganisms, it is sugar that bacteria process into alcohol.
If you control fermentation and monitor the process, then the subtleties described above will help you create a high-quality drink.
Rules for choosing ingredients
An important role is played by the selection of ingredients, it is worth paying attention to:
- For the quality of the grapes, they must be fresh and moderately ripe; rotten, moldy and spoiled fruits are not suitable for creating a drink.
- Preference is given to berries of medium or large size, which are disconnected from the branches, inspected for rot, damage, and sorted.
Attention! The variety is distinguished by fleshy fruits, from which there will be a lot of juice; this fact should be taken into account when creating homemade alcohol.
How to make wine from Moldova grapes at home
A recipe will help you prepare the drink; it’s better to take it step by step so that no questions arise during the process of creating the product.
Preparing the grapes
The production of alcohol begins with the preparation of grapes, they are harvested, removed from the bunches, inspected, but not washed.
The berries are placed in a suitable container; glass, wood, food grade plastic, or enamel containers are suitable. But you should not use metal utensils; they react with the product, changing its organoleptic characteristics, taste and aroma.
Preparing containers and equipment
Before making wine, prepare containers for pouring it. It is not necessary to sterilize the bottles; rinse them under running water and dry them, placing them upside down.
What else is needed:
- a water seal, a glove with a hole in the finger - will help monitor the fermentation process;
- a thin tube from a dropper - we will use it to drain the drink and remove the remainder;
- You also need dishes for the mash, it must be clean, fill the container 2/3 of the way.
Grape pressure
We crush the berries with our hands, you can use another device, but before putting them in the container, check that all the grapes are crushed.
There will be a lot of juice, but it is diluted with water and sugar is added. Mix everything with your hand or a wooden spoon so that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
You can prepare sugar syrup and pour it over the juice and crushed berries. Add sugar to warm water and stir until it dissolves completely.
Application of pulp
During the fermentation process, the pulp must be stirred and ensure that it does not sour. We will remove the pulp after fermentation is over. The drink is drained through a dropper tube, after filtering with gauze.
The remaining sugar is added to it and left for another 10-15 days.
Fermentation
The process will last 10-15 days, and may take a month. If the mash ferments for longer than 50 days, then you need to add yeast. They are also added during slow fermentation to speed it up.
After the active phase of fermentation is completed, when the gurgling stops, the mash is drained from the residue and sugar is added to the container.
Terms and conditions of storage
It is better to store the finished product in a cool place. It takes time for the wine to develop a pleasant aroma. If you keep alcohol for 2-3 months in a suitable container, its organoleptic characteristics will improve.
It is better to keep the product in a cellar or underground; a refrigerator is also suitable.
How to use it correctly?
Wine is poured into a glass glass and taken in small portions with lunch or dinner. The table drink goes well with meat and poultry.
Tip: take the drink in small sips, holding it for a few seconds and then swallowing to feel the taste.
It’s not difficult to create a drink made from grapes at home. If you strictly follow the recipe and maintain the proportions, then your efforts will not be in vain.