Some Interesting Stories Behind Exotic Wines
It’s no secret that vintners have been experimenting with creative new ingredients and flavours to make exquisite wines for centuries. From spices, herbs and fruit to insects, leaves and nuts, vintners have been using some of the most unusual and creative ingredients to add a unique twist to their wines.
It’s always fascinating to learn about some of the interesting stories behind these exotic wines and the varied ingredients they contain. Here’s a look at some of the most interesting tales from the art of winemaking.
From Austria – Wine Infused with Scorpion Venom
For those who want to push the boundaries with their wine making, we take a look at a very unusual Austrian experiment.
One winery has experimented with adding scorpion venom to their wines. Apparently the venom is heated, allowing the winemaker to reduce ‘the toxic effects of the venom’ according to the winemaker. The venom is then added to the wine during the fermentation process.
The purpose of this experiment was to create a unique flavour and match this with a unique sensation in the mouth, too. It’s no surprise that this wine experiment has attracted the attention of many curious wine lovers all over the world.
From Bulgaria – Wine with a Carob and Rose Touch
In Bulgaria, some vintners are experimenting with add in carob and rose petals to their wines. Carob and rose petals are popular chocolate flavourings, and adding them to wines can create an interesting twist to the regular taste.
This unique experiment has been embraced by several winemakers in Bulgaria. The best part? The carob and rose petal extracts add a very nice aroma and taste to the wine, something that most wine lovers will enjoy.
From Greece – Wine with Lavender and Orange Leaf Extracts
In many regions in Greece, winemakers are attempting to enhance the flavour of their wines by adding in flavourings derived from lavender and orange leaves. Lavender and orange leaves have long been used in Greek cuisine to add a special scent and taste to dishes, and winemakers are trying it on their wines too.
The result? A unique smell and taste which is quite difficult to describe. To some, it may come across as rather floral, but to some, it can resemble herbs and spices. Whatever the case, these unique experiments have led to some interesting wines, adding a unique twist to the taste.
From Italy – Wine Infused with Salt from Salierno
In Italy, some vintners are experimenting with adding in a special ingredient – salt from Salierno. The salt from Salierno is a special type of salt that has come from the Mediterranean Sea and is high in magnesium.
The salt is added to white wines and it is said that when the wine is poured, you can smell the salt in the aroma. It may sound unusual, but this particular ingredient has proved to be quite popular with some wine connoisseurs.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the fascinating wine ingredients that have been experimented with by vintners over the years. From scorpion venom and carob and rose petal extracts to salt from Salierno, it’s clear that winemakers are constantly pushing the boundaries in search for new and unique flavours for their wines.
This is the beauty of the art of winemaking and one can only imagine what other interesting ingredients will be experimented with in the future. No matter what, it’s sure to be an exciting ride.
Happy drinking!
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