Wild fermented wine create a great sense of intrigue. I am opening the backdoor to this lost and forgotten practice to wild fermentation of wines.
We love the idea of a "wild" wine, don't we? So, what kind of flavors can we expect, how does it work, and most of all what are wild fermented wines?
Spending time in the Napa Valley wine culture can show a person a lot about the wine industry... For better or worse. Take away the fluff, the prestige, the money, the elegance, and what are we left with...?
We are left to experience wine the way ancient civilizations experienced it... Wild.
Here you will see what is wild fermentation, how can we connect with wild fermentation in winemaking, how to make wild fermented wines, and the kinds of exotic flavors we can create.
This post is all about wild fermented wine.
First, What is Wild Fermentation?
Wild fermentation is a way for home brewers, winemakers, and fermenters alike to use naturally derived yeasts to start a fermentation.
Think about when humans first discovered winemaking, they most likely did not have dried commercial yeast packets...
These early creators had to find a way to harness the naturally derived yeasts in nature to make wines, beers, sakes, etc.
In how to make a yeast starter, I break down how to start your own homemade yeast population to make sodas, beers, and wines (the wild way).
Additionally, Patrick E McGovern has an astounding book that talks about the quest for ancient fermented beverages:
As an anthropologist, he travels around the world exploring the ways humans have crafted fermented drinks of all kinds, from all cultures.
From rice wines to sorghum beer and how ancient civilizations enjoyed their drinks, this is a must read!
So, wild fermentation is using naturally occurring yeasts in nature and cultivating a population to use in different fermentation projects.
Which brings us to... Natural wines!
Natural Wines
A deep connection lies within natural wines and wild fermentation.
Natural wines have been growing in popularity, though it truly has been a long standing practice amongst wine makers.
RELATED POST: Your NEW Guide to Beautiful Natural Wines
Natural wines use the yeast that is naturally on the grape skins to ferment.
Which can be determined as "wild fermentation" because the winemaker does not know what strain of yeasts are on the grapes, how much, or how the fermentation will play out.
How to Make Wild Fermented Wines
You might be interested in engaging in wild fermented wines! Believe it or not, it can be really simple and very straightforward.
Here is a breakdown of the steps involved:
- Make a yeast starter
- Choose the wine you wish to create
- Choose the fermentable sugar you want in your wines (if the fruit does not have enough)
- Have the necessary equipment, and start the fermentation process!
Alternatively, making wild fermentation wines without a yeast starter is achievable (aka natural wine). However, it is for really experienced winemakers. I don't recommend trying that on your first try!
Step 1: Make a Yeast Starter
I won't go into too much depth because I have a whole post on making your own yeast starter. But, here are the basic components.
- Choose either turmeric or ginger
- Grab a medium sized jar and fill 1/2 with purified water
- Add 2 tablespoons ginger, 2 tablespoons organic brown sugar
- "Feed" your starter everyday for a week until you get bubbles
If you do not get bubbles, your ginger or turmeric has too many chemicals on the skins!
Step 2: Choose the wine you wish to create
The great thing here is you can choose ANYTHING!
- Blueberry wine
- Elderberry wine
- Meadowsweet wine
- Ginger & turmeric wine
- and more!
For wild fermented wine, you can play with herbalism and fruit to concoct very exquisite and exotic flavors.
Check out the Joy of Brewing Herbal Wine for some inspiration into wild fermented wine ideas!
Herbal wines and meads are great options for wild fermented wines. Mead is actually called "honey wine".
Which is using honey as the fermentable sugar instead of cane sugar or brown sugar (tends to be healthier).
Option to choose already made fruit juice, and you can do easy wine making with only 2 ingredients this way!
Step 3: Pick your fermentable sugar
If your fruit does not come with enough sugar, then you will have to add some sugar so the wine will ferment to be 12-15% ABV. Additionally, if you choose herbal wine, then you will have to add sugar.
Options are:
- Organic brown sugar
- Local organic honey
As stated above, honey will create "honey wine" or mead.
To check your wines sugar content, use a hydrometer.
Step 4: Have the equipment ready, and start fermenting!
Winemaking equipment is easy, simple, and affordable. Especially if you are making only 1 gallon batches.
RELATED POST: On-Demand Winemaking Equipment List to Get Everything in One Click
If you are just starting out, I encourage this resource on fermentation for beginners. It lays out other books and winemaking equipment kits to get started!
Exotic Wild Fermented Wine Ideas
Now, you might be increasingly interested in wild fermented wines and the various flavors you can craft.
Here are some wild fermented wine ideas to spark your creativity:
- Passion fruit, pineapple, and yarrow wine
- Holy Basil & Lemon wine
- Orange & Elderberry wine
- Pine needle, Lemon Balm, & Lemon wine
So, as you can see, infusing herbalism into your wines with other fruits can craft exquisite concoctions.
Wild fermented wines can be the benchmark of your creative expression, so tapping into your flavor preferences and herbs will drive you to exotic wines.