Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine

Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine Recipe from Maldives

Region / culture: Maldives | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 4 days | Servings: This recipe makes approximately 4 liters of Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine.

Introduction

Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine is a delicious and unique wine recipe that combines the sweetness of dried fruits with the richness of red wine. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and fruity wine that is perfect for sipping on a cozy evening.

History

The history of Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine dates back to ancient times when dried fruits were used to sweeten and flavor wines. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has evolved to become a popular homemade wine recipe for those who enjoy experimenting with different flavors.

Ingredients

450 g of sultanas
450 g of raisins
450 g of dried elderberries
225 g of dates
225 g of dried bananas
1 kg can of red grape concentrate
1.36 kg of granulated white sugar
1 tsp of citric acid
1 tsp of yeast nutrient
1 tsp of pectic enzyme
1 sachet of sauternes yeast

How to prepare

Activate the yeast in a starter bottle.
Boil 0.5 liter of water with the sugar until it becomes a syrup, then let it cool.
Transfer the syrup to a stoppered container.
Wash, dry, and chop the dried fruit.
Place the chopped fruit in a fermentation bucket and pour 2.5 liters of boiling water over it.
Stir well, cover, and let it sit for 24 hours, stirring twice more during this time.
After 24 hours, add the grape concentrate, additives, 0.5 liter of the sugar syrup, and the yeast culture.
Cover it and let it sit for 4 days to allow fermentation to start, stirring at least once a day.
Strain the liquid from the pulp into a jar, fit an airlock, and place it in a warm location to ferment. Shake it daily.
Once the fermentation slows down, add more sugar syrup (about 140 ml) until either all the sugar is used or the fermentation stops.
Allow the mixture to settle and then rack it when sediment forms.
This wine will take a long time to mature and is best left in the jar rather than being bottled.
It is advisable to top up with either grape concentrate or fruit juice after racking.

Variations

You can experiment with different combinations of dried fruits, such as apricots, figs, or prunes.
Add spices like cinnamon or cloves for a warm and spicy flavor profile.
Substitute the red grape concentrate with white grape concentrate for a lighter wine.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash and dry the dried fruits thoroughly before using them in the recipe.

- Stir the mixture well during the fermentation process to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

- Allow the wine to ferment in a warm location to ensure that the yeast can work properly.

- Be patient with the fermentation process, as this wine will take some time to mature and develop its full flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine can be served chilled or at room temperature. It pairs well with cheese, nuts, and dried fruits.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is fermentation, which allows the flavors of the dried fruits to infuse into the wine. Stirring and racking the wine are also important steps in the fermentation process.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dried elderberries, you can substitute them with dried cranberries or cherries. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine needs to ferment for several days, so it's best to plan ahead and allow enough time for the fermentation process. You can also make the sugar syrup in advance to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine in elegant wine glasses or decanters for a sophisticated presentation. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This sweet and fruity wine pairs well with a variety of foods, including cheese platters, charcuterie boards, and desserts like chocolate cake or fruit tarts.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine in a cool, dark place to allow it to mature properly. Once opened, store the wine in the refrigerator and consume within a few days for the best flavor.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This recipe is fat-free.

Proteins

There is minimal protein content in Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine.

Vitamins and minerals

The dried fruits used in this recipe provide a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe may contain sulfites from the red grape concentrate, which can be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine is a sweet and fruity wine that is relatively low in calories and fat. It provides a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins from the dried fruits used in the recipe.

Summary

Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine is a delightful homemade wine recipe that combines the sweetness of dried fruits with the richness of red wine. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and fruity wine that is perfect for sipping and enjoying on special occasions.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine. It was a chilly autumn day, the leaves were turning bright shades of red and orange, and there was a crispness in the air that signaled the arrival of the holiday season. I was visiting my dear friend Maria, who lived in a quaint little cottage on the outskirts of town.

Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and she had a knack for creating delicious dishes using simple, wholesome ingredients. On that particular day, she invited me over for a cup of tea and a chat. As I sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on a steaming mug of Earl Grey, my eyes wandered to a yellowed piece of paper that was pinned to her refrigerator.

Curious, I asked Maria about the recipe written on the paper. With a twinkle in her eye, she explained that it was her grandmother's recipe for Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine, a traditional holiday beverage that had been passed down through the generations. She went on to describe how the wine was infused with the flavors of dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and figs, and sweetened with honey and spices.

As Maria spoke, I could practically taste the rich, warm flavors of the wine on my tongue. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself. Maria must have sensed my excitement, because she graciously offered to teach me the recipe.

We spent the rest of the afternoon gathering the necessary ingredients and preparing the wine. Maria showed me how to simmer the dried fruits in a pot of red wine, infusing it with their sweet flavors and aromas. She added a touch of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon and cloves, creating a warm, spicy undertone that complemented the fruity sweetness perfectly.

As the wine simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its intoxicating scent, Maria shared stories of her grandmother and the holidays they had spent together. She spoke of snowy winter nights by the fire, sipping on glasses of Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine and sharing laughter and memories with loved ones.

By the time the wine was ready, I felt as though I had been transported back in time to Maria's grandmother's kitchen. The rich, complex flavors of the wine danced on my taste buds, leaving me feeling warm and content. It was a moment I would never forget.

Since that day, I have made Maria's Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine countless times, sharing it with friends and family during the holiday season. Each sip brings back memories of that chilly autumn day in Maria's kitchen, and reminds me of the power of tradition and connection that can be found in a simple recipe.

I am grateful to Maria for sharing her grandmother's recipe with me, and I will cherish it always as a reminder of the joy and warmth that can be found in a glass of Dried Fruit Sweet Red Wine.