Chablis Style – Dry White Wine

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

Ingredients

• 250ml Apple Juice
• 2kg Sultana Grapes
• 500g Gooseberries
• 400g Rhubarb
• 100g White Currants
• 550g Granulated Sugar
• Sufficient Pectolytic Enzyme
• 1-2g / ¼ Teaspoon Yeast Nutrient
• Gervin No. 11 Yeast
• Water to 4.5 Litres

Method

One problem with this recipe is that we have to have the various fruits available at the same time.  Accordingly I use the freezer to store the fruit until I need it, or visit my local farm shop which has frozen fruit all year round.  In any case use the freezing technique to extract the juice from the gooseberries, grapes and white currents.  Use the Gervin No. 11 yeast to reduce malic acid level and produce the superior bouquet.

If sultana grapes are not available, use instead 550ml of good quality grape concentrate.  You can also use add a heaped teaspoon of oak chips in the fermentation if you have some available.

The wine will benefit from a year in the bottle before drunk.