The 6 Best Fruit Wines to Try
Posted by Gwen Watson on Sep 10, 2015
Wine, by definition, is fermented fruit juice. Fresh fruit is pressed to release its juices and then left to sit in special barrels until it ferments. Though grapes are the most commonly used fruit, it’s not the only fruit that can be used to make wine. Here are some of our favorite fruit wines to enjoy:
Strawberry Wine
Since strawberries are high in sugar, it’s an ideal fruit to turn into wine. When the strawberries are left to ripen on the bush, the sugar content is even higher which means that the wine will taste even richer once it’s finished. Strawberry wine pairs well with soft cheeses and desserts such as cheesecake.
Apple Wine
Although similar to hard cider, apple wine is prepared a little differently. With most apple wines, the apple juice is filtered before it’s left to ferment. In many parts of the world, this type of wine is highly prized. For example, the region of Alsace in France is known for its delicious apples and locals enjoy the delicious apple wine.
Cranberry Wine
Cranberry wine is a bit of a novelty because cranberries only grow in the cooler regions of the United States, such as New England, Washington State, and Wisconsin. Because the sugar content is fairly low in cranberries, the end result after the juice ferments is a wine that is mostly crisp with a hint of sweetness. It’s a popular choice to pair with Thanksgiving dinner – the cranberry flavors complement the roasted turkey and all the sides perfectly!
Blueberry Wine
Because blueberries are fairly low in sugar and are high in tannic acid, the end result is a dry wine that still has the underlying flavors that make blueberries so delicious. This particular wine pairs well with anything that is usually served with dry wines, such as pasta dishes, meat, and ripe cheeses.
Elderberry Wine
Elderberries have long been prized not only for their flavor, but also their medicinal properties. The syrup, for instance, is not only delicious when drizzled over dessert, but it’s also a prized remedy for colds, flus, and coughs. The berries produce a delicious medium bodied wine that’s not only well balanced but also rich in antioxidants.
Apricot Wine
If you like white wine, you’ll absolutely love apricot wine! While apricots are typically tart, there’s enough sugar in them to make a smooth, well-balanced wine that’s on par with white wines like Sauvignon Blanc. If you’re looking for a fruity wine that’s not overpoweringly sweet, this wine is the best choice. Apricot wine pairs well with white meat and fish, as well as mild cheeses. It’s also a great wine to serve with desserts like cheesecake!