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Wine lovers are always looking to explore new flavors beyond what they are used to. When it comes to wines, we most likely think of red, white, or pink. However, have you ever heard of wine that does not use grapes? Yes, you read that right. Although most wines are crafted from grapes, there are various wine types that do not rely on this fruit as the primary ingredient.
Wine is typically made from fermented grapes, but innovative winemakers are experimenting with other fruits, too. Many of these fruit-based wines offer a unique and intriguing taste that appeals to wine connoisseurs. In this post, we will explore some of these non-grape wines and their unique characteristics.
Fruit Wines
Fruit wines are produced from fruits other than grapes. The most popular fruit wines are made from apples, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. Fruits are crushed and fermented, just like grapes. The fruity aroma and the sweet tang is what makes fruit wines so desirable. They have a lower alcohol content than grape-based wines, making them a great option for those who are sensitive to high alcohol beverages.
Some popular fruit wines include:
Apple Wine
Apple wine is made from the juice of apples. The fermented juice is then aged in oak or stainless steel barrels, just like grape wines. Like the fruit, the wine has a crisp acidity, and a unique aroma of ripe apples. It usually has a pale golden color and is often sweeter than grape wine, but can also be dry. Apple wine is an excellent accompaniment to savory dishes and makes a great palette cleanser between courses.
Blackberry Wine
Blackberry wine is a sweet, fruity wine with a deep red color. It has a characteristic aroma of blackberries, and its natural sweetness makes it an enjoyable after-dinner drink. This wine pairs well with salty and savory foods due to its sweet and sour flavor. Its bold flavor can also cut through rich dishes such as roasted meats.
Blueberry Wine
Blueberry wine is a sweet and tangy wine with a vibrant purple color. It has an intense flavor of blueberries and is often described as having a jam-like consistency. The wine pairs well with spicy and zesty food, as the sweetness of the wine can balance out the heat in the dish.
Strawberry Wine
Strawberry wine is a popular wine with a pale pink color. It has an aromatic taste of fresh strawberries with subtle hints of honey and citrus. The wine pairs well with creamy dishes and desserts such as cheesecake and ice cream.
Sake
Sake is a Japanese rice wine that has been brewed for over 2,000 years. Sake is not a wine in the traditional sense, as it is brewed from rice, water, and yeast. It is a popular drink in Japan and is considered an essential part of Japanese culture. Sake has a unique taste that has savory and sweet notes, and it is best served chilled or warmed.
Sake is classified by aroma and flavor, and it is essential to understand the differences to respect the different styles. Junmai sake is made from 100% polished rice, and no additional distilled alcohol is added to it. Ginjo sake is made from highly polished rice and is often described as having fruity and floral flavors.
Mead
Mead is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey, water, and sometimes fruit. Mead has been around for centuries and was a popular drink in medieval times. It has become popular again in recent years, especially with the rise of the craft beer and cider culture.
Mead can come in many different flavors, depending on the types of honey and fruit used. Some meads are dry, while others can be sweet. It can also range from still to sparkling.
Pomace Wines
Pomace wines are made from the pomace, or remains of grapes after the juice has been extracted. A pomace wine is typically made from the leftovers of the wine-making process, including the stems, skins, and seeds.
Some popular pomace wines include:
Grappa
Grappa is a traditional Italian pomace brandy made from the pressed skins, stems, and seeds of grapes that have been used to make wine. The rough consistency is a result of the pomace being distilled directly, without first fermenting the mash into wine. Grappa is usually 35-60% alcohol by volume and is often served as an after-dinner drink.
Piquette
Piquette is a low-alcohol wine made from the second or third use of grape pomace. After the first press for premium wine, winemakers take the remaining grape skins and submerge them in water to ferment again. This second fermentation results in piquette, which is a light, sparkling wine with a low alcohol content.
Rice Wines
Rice wines are fermented alcoholic beverages made from rice. The brewing process of rice wines is similar to sake. Rice wines are usually light, crisp, and have a pleasantly sweet and nutty flavor.
Some popular rice wines include:
Huangjiu
Huangjiu is a traditional Chinese alcoholic drink made from rice. It has been produced for over 5,000 years in China and is often referred to as “yellow wine” due to its golden color. Huangjiu has a nutty, earthy aroma with a slightly sour and sweet taste.
Takara Mirin
Takara Mirin is a Japanese rice wine that is used as a cooking ingredient rather than as a beverage. It is a sweet and thick liquid that is often used to add sweetness and depth of flavor to dishes such as teriyaki or chicken glazed with rice wine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various types of wines that are not made from grapes. Many of these wines have unique and intriguing flavors that appeal to wine lovers. While grape-based wines are the most popular, these fruit-based, rice, and pomace wines offer a completely different experience.
So, the next time you visit a wine shop, consider stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite wine!
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