Fruit wines are just like other wines but they don’t use grapes as their base. In other words, fruit wines are fermented beverages made with a fruit juice base that is not grape juice. From apples and cherries to blueberries and cranberries, fruit wine can be made of any type of fruit that can undergo fermentation.
Fruit wines are produced all over the globe and are available in a wide range of flavors. Types of fruit wines can include:
- Blueberry wine
- Cranberry wine
- Nettle wine
- Banana wine
- Pineapple wine
- Apple wine
- Elderberry wine
- Red currant wine
- Raspberry wine
- Orange wine
Fruit wines are typically alcoholic, although you can get non-alcoholic versions. The alcohol levels in fruit wines are similar to grape wines, most between 10-15% ABV. Fruit wine can come from one single fruit, a blend of many fruits, or a mix of fruit and grapes.
You may wonder: isn’t all wine technically considered fruit wine, since traditional wine is made with grapes? Yes, in the technical sense that is true. However, in the wine world, if someone refers to a fruit wine, they are not referring to a wine made from grapes.
In general, fruit wine is made from fermented fruit juice, but floral wines are also considered part of the fruit wine family, such as dandelion, elderflower, and rose hip wines. Fruit can be used in the making of either red or white wine, and that will depend on the type of fruit used as well as the fermentation process.
Fruit wine isn’t as popular as grape wine, but many people love it, especially for bringing something new and different to a cocktail party or other gathering.
Many fruit wines are fortified with extra ingredients like honey or sugar due to the fact that many fruits contain a varying balance of sugar, tannins, and acids.
The Difference Between Fruit Wine and Other Alcoholic Drinks
There are two main things that make fruit wine different from other alcoholic drinks such as beer, cider, or gin:
- The fermentation process: Fruit wine is allowed to ferment for much longer than hard cider, for example, which gives the yeast more time to consume the fruit’s sugars.
- The distillation process: Fruit wine has less of a kick than do spirits, such as vodka or gin, which are typically distilled to increase the alcohol content. The distillation process purifies the spirits, increasing their concentration. If you distill wine, you will make cognac or brandy.
Try Robinette’s Tasty Fruit Wine Today!
We have all your favorite fruit wines here in our winery, including cranberry, apple, and blueberry, along with mulled wines and hard ciders. Come in for a wine tasting at 3142 4 Mile Rd NE in Grand Rapids, or call us at (800) 400-8100 to learn more.