1. Gather the ingredients:
To make organic rhubarb wine, you will need fresh organic rhubarb stalks, organic sugar, organic lemon juice, organic wine yeast, and filtered water. It is crucial to use organic ingredients to ensure that your wine is free from synthetic pesticides and chemicals.
2. Prepare the rhubarb:
Start by cleaning the rhubarb stalks thoroughly, removing any dirt or debris. Chop the stalks into small pieces and place them in a large container. The container should be sanitized to prevent any unwanted bacteria from growing in your wine.
3. Extract the juice:
To extract the juice from the rhubarb, you can either use a juicer or follow the traditional method of boiling. If using a juicer, feed the chopped rhubarb through the machine and collect the fresh juice. If boiling, add the chopped rhubarb to a large pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to cool before straining it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, collecting the juice in a clean container.
4. Add the sugar and lemon juice:
Measure the amount of rhubarb juice you have obtained, and for every liter of juice, add around 700-800 grams of organic sugar. The exact amount can be adjusted according to your desired sweetness. Mix the sugar into the juice until dissolved. Then, add organic lemon juice to enhance the flavor and balance the acidity. Use approximately 1-2 teaspoons per liter of juice.
5. Fermentation:
Once the sugar and lemon juice are well incorporated, it’s time for fermentation. Transfer the rhubarb juice mixture into a sterilized fermentation vessel, leaving some headspace for the fermentation process. Add the organic wine yeast according to the package instructions and stir gently. Seal the vessel with an airlock to allow the carbon dioxide to escape but prevent any oxygen or contaminants from entering.
6. Aging:
Place the fermentation vessel in a cool and dark area, maintaining a temperature between 18-24°C (64-75°F) for optimal fermentation. Allow the wine to ferment for at least two to three weeks, or until the fermentation activity ceases. During this period, the yeast will consume the sugar, converting it into alcohol, and the wine will start to clarify.
7. Bottling:
Once the fermentation is complete, it’s time to bottle your homemade rhubarb wine. Carefully siphon the wine into sterilized wine bottles, leaving behind any sediments. Consider using organic corks or screw caps to seal the bottles securely. It is recommended to let the wine age in the bottle for at least two to six months to develop its flavors and aromas further.
8. Enjoying your organic rhubarb wine:
After the aging process, your homemade organic rhubarb wine is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it chilled and savor the unique flavors that rhubarb brings to your glass. Remember that homemade wines take time to mature, so be patient and allow the flavors to fully develop.
By following these simple , you can indulge in the delight of organic rhubarb wine that you have crafted with care, love, and nature’s finest ingredients. Cheers to enjoying an organic and sustainable glass of wine!