Homemade Beet Wine: The Must-Try Country Recipe for You
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Homemade Beet Wine: The Must-Try Country Recipe for You
Have you ever thought about making beet wine? It might sound unusual, but trust me, it’s an incredible experience! If you’re not a fan of sweet wines, this dry red could be your new favorite.
Why Beet Wine?
You may be surprised to learn that beet wine can rival classic varieties like French Bordeaux or Pinot Noir. Its velvety mouthfeel and rich body can make it hard to believe that it’s made from a vegetable!
If you’re concerned about sulfites found in store-bought wines, this homemade beet wine is a fantastic alternative. The beauty of making your own wine is that you can keep it simple and additive-free, allowing the natural flavors to shine.
Make Use of Your Beet Bounty
Once you’ve harvested your beets, it’s time to try something new beyond pickling. If you find yourself with extra beets, check out our 33 Brilliant Recipes Using Beets. But trust me, there’s nothing quite like beet wine!
Gather Your Equipment
Don’t worry if you don’t have winemaking equipment yet! A basic brew kit with a few extras is all you need. Consider getting an inexpensive winemaking kit. In addition to the kit, you’ll require:
Essential Winemaking Equipment
- 2-gallon brew bucket with drilled lid
- One-gallon glass carboy
- Straining bag
- Tubing and clamp
- Airlock
- #6 or #6.5 drilled stopper
- Sanitizer (Star San recommended)
- One packet of Lalvin Bourgovin RC 212 yeast
- Bottles, corks, and corker
Non-Winemaking Equipment
- Stockpot
- Slotted skimmer spoon
- Long-handled wooden or plastic spoon
Ingredients for Beet Wine
- 3 pounds of fresh beets
- 2.5 pounds of white sugar
- 3 oranges, zested and juiced
- 10 raisins
- 15 whole peppercorns
- 1 cup of cooled black tea
- 1 gallon of water
A Note About Water
Quality matters! If your tap water doesn’t taste good, your wine won’t either. Use filtered or boiled and cooled water for the best results.
Making the Beet Wine
Start by rinsing your beets thoroughly, then peel and chop them. You can even use a food processor to achieve a consistent pulp. Bring 1 gallon of water to a simmer in a large stockpot, adding the beets. Simmer for 45 minutes, skimming off any purplish foam that forms.
While the beets simmer, pour the cooled tea and orange juice into your brew bucket. Place the zest, raisins, and peppercorns in a strainer bag and position it in the bucket. Once the beets are ready, transfer them into the strainer bag carefully. Reserve about four cups of the beet liquid for later.
Combining Ingredients
Add the sugar to the beet liquid in the stockpot and simmer until dissolved. Pour this mixture into the brew bucket, checking to ensure you have a full gallon. Seal the bucket and attach the airlock.
After 24 hours, add the yeast to the bucket and stir vigorously to aerate. For the next twelve days, stir daily, ensuring to aerate the mixture.
First Racking
After twelve days, carefully lift out the strainer bag without squeezing it and let it drain back into the bucket. Use tubing to transfer the mixture into a glass jug, avoiding sediment at the bottom.
The Waiting Game
Let your wine sit undisturbed for about six months. Check the airlock occasionally and watch for sediment buildup. If necessary, rack the wine into the bucket and back into the jug to leave behind sediment.
Bottling Your Beet Wine
Collect clean and sanitized bottles. Ideally, use green bottles to preserve the vibrant color of your wine. Prepare your corks by soaking them in hot water to make corking easier.
Begin filling the bottles, leaving enough space in the neck for the cork. Use a corker to seal each bottle and label them with the date.
Tasting Your Beet Wine
As time passes, your wine will continue to evolve. Each taste test reveals a new depth and richness. This journey of flavor transformation is one of the best parts of winemaking!
Conclusion
Homemade beet wine is a delightful and surprising addition to your wine collection. Give it a try, and you might just find that these humble beets have transformed into something truly exceptional.
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