Exploring Non-Grape Wines: From Dandelions to Tomatoes

Wine enthusiasts often associate wine with grapes, but the world of winemaking is far broader and more intriguing. Non-grape wines are gaining popularity for their unique flavors and creative ingredients. Here, we explore the vast realm of non-grape wines, including lesser-known botanicals and fruits that can be transformed into delightful libations.

Introduction to Non-Grape Wines

The term “best” is subjective and varies widely based on taste preferences. To me, as an amateur winemaker, one of my favorite non-grape wines is black raspberry. Red raspberry is also highly favored. However, the choice of what makes the 'best' wine is a personal value judgment. Some find cherry or raspberry wines to be indistinguishable from grape wines when made correctly, while others may prefer the distinct sweetness and bitterness of dandelion flowers.

Dandelion Flowers: A Unique Wine Experience

Many years ago, I encountered an excellent wine made from dandelion flowers. This wine was not fruity, but it possessed a distinct sweet bitterness. The sweetness was likely due to the addition of sugar to aid in the fermentation process. Dandelion wines can be surprisingly satisfying, offering a subtle and unique taste experience.

Theorizing About Non-Grape Wine Ingredients

Theoretically, you can make wine from almost anything organic. James Steinbeck describes a type of moonshine called "Old Tennis Shoes," which was favored by hoboes on Cannery Row. This is a playful reference to mixing various items to create a sugary liquid for fermentation. However, it's important to note that this process may yield unexpected results, especially in terms of safety and quality.

Common Non-Grape Wine Ingredients

Many fruits can be used to make wine, including apples, oranges, cherries, plums, and elderberries. Each has its own unique flavor profile and can produce light yet delightful wines. For instance, elderberries can result in very nice, albeit light, wines. Another intriguing example is Japanese sake, which is a type of wine made from rice. Sake can be quite good, offering a unique taste that is different from traditional grape wines.

Unique Non-Fruit Examples: Tomatoes and Parsnips

While fruits are the most common base for non-grape wines, there are plenty of unique options. One example is tomato wine, which is unique to a particular farm and difficult to pair. Parrot parsnip wine has a notable aftertaste, reflecting the peculiar profile of the parsnip itself. Experienced winemakers have found that plums, damsons, rhubarb, elderberries, and even gooseberries can yield good results, with some requiring adjustments to the sugar balance and alcohol content to achieve the desired taste.

Conclusion

Non-grape wines offer a diverse and fascinating realm within the world of winemaking. From the sweetness of cherries to the complexity of dandelion flowers, these unique ingredients can produce delightful and unique wines. While the results can vary, the process of exploring and experimenting with different non-grape ingredients can be a rewarding experience for both amateur and professional winemakers alike.