Bordeaux Style 2 – Dry Red Wine

NB: If you are new to winemaking, it is worth checking out our guide to success.

Ingredients

• 450g Blackberries
• 680g Elderberries
• 100g Raspberries
• 450g Grapes
• 700g Granulated Sugar
• 10g / 2 Teaspoons Tartaric Acid
• Sufficient Pectolytic Enzyme
• Gervin No. 8 Yeast
• 1g / ¼ Teaspoon Yeast Nutrient
• 10g Oak Granules
• Water to 4.5 Litres

Method

This recipe is somewhat more complicated, but the extra effort gives a better, more complex wine.  If you can obtain Bilberries or Blueberries, then substitute them for the Blackberries (same quantity).  If fresh grapes (preferably black) are not available, then substitute with 200ml of good quality red grape concentrate instead.  The addition of oak granules gives the wine a delicate touch of oak and adds roundness.  The Gervin No. 8 yeast is the most suitable one for this style of wine, originating in Bordeaux and regarded by the manufacturers as a yeast ensuring a splendid aromatic bouquet.  This should produce a wine at around 12% alcohol.