1. Selecting the Grapes:
To make white Fragolino wine, you’ll need to use fragola grapes, also known as Isabella grapes. These grapes have a distinctive strawberry-like flavor that contributes to the wine’s unique taste. Obtain fresh, ripe grapes from a reputable supplier or consider growing them in your garden if you reside in a suitable climate.
2. Crushing the Grapes:
Once you have your fragola grapes, the first step is to crush them to release their juice. This can be done using a clean and sanitized crusher and destemmer machine, or by hand. The goal is to separate the juice from the grape skins and seeds, as they can add unwanted bitterness or tannins to your wine.
3. Pressing the Juice:
After crushing the grapes, transfer the juice to a clean container, such as a food-grade plastic bucket. Use a clean and sanitized press to extract as much juice as possible from the grape pulp. Pressing the juice ensures that you obtain a higher yield and that the flavors are properly extracted.
4. Adding Sugar and Yeast:
To ensure proper fermentation, add sugar to the grape juice. The amount of sugar to add depends on your desired sweetness level – typically, 2-3 pounds of sugar per gallon of juice is sufficient. Stir the mixture well to dissolve the sugar completely. Next, add a suitable wine yeast to kick-start the fermentation process. Follow the yeast manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended quantity and method of addition.
5. Fermentation and Aging:
Transfer the juice and yeast mixture into a fermentation vessel, such as a glass carboy, and attach an airlock to prevent unwanted oxygen from entering while allowing carbon dioxide to escape. Fermentation can take anywhere from 10 days to a few weeks, depending on the temperature and the specific yeast strain used.
6. Racking:
After fermentation is complete, it’s necessary to transfer the wine to another clean container, leaving behind the sediment (known as lees) that has settled at the bottom of the carboy. This process, known as racking, helps clarify the wine and improve its flavor. Repeat this process every few months until the wine is clear and stable.
7. Bottling and Aging:
Once the wine has cleared and you’re satisfied with its taste, it’s time to bottle it. Use clean, sterilized bottles and corks or caps to ensure the wine stays fresh and free from contamination. Consider aging the wine for a few months to a year, as this can further enhance its flavor profile.
8. Enjoying White Fragolino Wine:
White Fragolino wine is best served chilled and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes. Its delicate strawberry notes make it a fantastic choice for summer gatherings or as an apéritif.
Making white Fragolino wine at home can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By following these steps, you can produce your own delicious wine that showcases the unique flavors of fragola grapes. Remember to be patient throughout the process, as good wine takes time. Cheers!