How to make Lambrusco wine at home

Lambrusco wine is a sparkling Italian wine known for its refreshing taste and deep red color. While it is readily available in many stores, there is something special about making your own homemade Lambrusco wine. Not only is it a rewarding and fun process, but it also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making Lambrusco wine at home.

Step 1: Gathering Your Ingredients
To make Lambrusco wine, you will need the following ingredients:
– Lambrusco grape juice: Choose a fresh, high-quality juice. If fresh juice is not available, you can also use concentrated juice or frozen grape juice.
– Wine yeast: This is available at brewing supply stores or online. Make sure to choose a yeast suitable for red wines.
– Wine nutrient: This helps the yeast ferment properly and is also available at brewing supply stores.
– Potassium metabisulfite: This is used for sterilization purposes.
– Sugar: Depending on your preference, you may need this to sweeten the wine.

Step 2: Sterilizing Your Equipment
It is crucial to make sure that all your equipment is properly sterilized to prevent any unwanted contamination. Clean all your equipment, including fermenting vessels, airlocks, siphon tubes, and bottles, using a food-grade sanitizer or a mixture of potassium metabisulfite and water. Rinse them thoroughly with clean water before use.

Step 3: Preparing the Must
Pour the Lambrusco grape juice into a sanitized fermenting vessel. You can adjust the sugar content by adding sugar to reach your preferred sweetness level. Be sure to dissolve the sugar completely before proceeding. It is recommended to add potassium metabisulfite to the must to reduce the risk of spoilage.

Step 4: Adding Yeast and Nutrient
Once the must is prepared, it’s time to add the yeast. Follow the instructions provided with the yeast package for the recommended amount. Sprinkle the yeast on the surface of the must and let it hydrate for a few minutes. Then, gently stir the yeast into the must. Additionally, add the wine nutrient as directed to promote healthy fermentation.

Step 5: Fermentation
Cover the fermenting vessel with a sanitized airlock to allow gases to escape while preventing outside contaminants from entering. Place the vessel in a cool, dark location with a consistent temperature between 70°F and 75°F (21°C and 24°C). Check the airlock periodically to ensure proper fermentation. Fermentation typically takes 2-3 weeks, but it can vary based on temperature and other factors.

Step 6: Bottling and Secondary Fermentation
Once the primary fermentation is complete, it is time to transfer the wine into sanitized bottles. Using a siphon tube, carefully transfer the wine, leaving behind any sediment that may have settled at the bottom of the fermenting vessel. Seal the bottles with sanitized corks or screw caps and store them in a cool, dark place for secondary fermentation.

Step 7: Aging and Carbonation
Allow the wine to age in the bottles for at least three months. This will allow the flavors to mellow and the carbonation to develop. The longer you age the wine, the smoother and more complex it will become.

Step 8: Enjoying Your Homemade Lambrusco Wine
After aging, your homemade Lambrusco wine is ready to be enjoyed. Chill the bottles in the refrigerator before serving, and pour the wine into chilled glasses to fully appreciate its refreshing taste and effervescence. Pair it with Italian cuisine or enjoy it on its own as a delightful aperitif.

In conclusion, making Lambrusco wine at home is a rewarding and enjoyable process. By following the steps above and exercising patience, you can create your very own homemade version of this famous Italian wine. Cheers!