How to make homemade Puglian cooked wine

Puglia, located in the southern region of Italy, is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. One of the traditional delicacies you can find in this region is Puglian cooked wine. Made from local wines, honey, and spices, this sweet and aromatic beverage is commonly enjoyed during the winter months and festive occasions. If you’re a wine enthusiast looking to try something new, making homemade Puglian cooked wine can be a fun and rewarding project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of red wine (preferably from Puglia)
– 5 tablespoons of honey
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 5 cloves
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Choose the Right Wine: Puglian cooked wine typically uses red wine as its base. It is recommended to prioritize local wines from Puglia, such as Primitivo or Negroamaro, as they are known for their rich flavors and smoothness. However, you can also use any other dry, full-bodied red wine of your preference.

2. Gather the Spices: Puglian cooked wine gets its distinct taste and aroma from a combination of spices. In a small jar, gather your cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange zest, and lemon zest. Shake the jar gently to mix the spices together.

3. Heat the Wine: Pour the entire bottle of red wine into a large saucepan or pot. Place it over medium-low heat and let it warm slowly. Avoid bringing the wine to a boil as it may alter the flavors.

4. Add the Honey: Once the wine is warm, gradually stir in the honey. This natural sweetener will enhance the overall taste and add body to the cooked wine. Stir until the honey has dissolved completely.

5. Infuse the Spices: Lower the heat and sprinkle the spice mixture into the pot. Allow the wine to simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This will infuse the flavors of the spices and citrus zest into the wine.

6. Strain and Serve: After simmering, take the pot off the heat and let it cool slightly. Using a fine-mesh strainer, pour the cooked wine into a serving jug or individual glasses, straining out the spices and zest.

7. Optional: Further Aging and Bottling. If you desire a more developed flavor, you can transfer the cooked wine into a sterilized bottle and let it age for a few weeks. This will allow the flavors to blend and mellow further.

8. Enjoy Responsibly: Puglian cooked wine is best enjoyed warm. Serve it in small glasses and savor its rich flavors and aromatic notes. This beverage pairs well with traditional Puglian desserts like pasticciotto or almond cookies.

While homemade Puglian cooked wine may not be as readily available as store-bought wines, its unique taste and the satisfaction of making it yourself makes it an excellent choice for any wine enthusiast. By following these simple steps, you can create a delightful and authentic Puglian experience right in the comfort of your own home. Cheers!