Blog

Prepare a Delicious Homemade Myrtle Wine

The myrtle is a Mediterranean shrub whose berries are widely used in cooking and beverage making. Myrtle wine is a delicious and aromatic drink that can be prepared at home. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 500g of fresh myrtle berries
• 1 liter of quality red wine
• 500g of sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 orange zest
• 1 vanilla bean

Preparation:

1. Start by rinsing the myrtle berries under cold water to remove impurities. Dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth.
2. In a large glass jar, pour in the red wine and add the myrtle berries. Seal the jar tightly and let it macerate for two weeks in a cool, dark place.
3. After two weeks, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the myrtle berries and obtain a clear wine. Reserve the resulting liquid.
4. In a saucepan, heat the sugar with a little water until a thick syrup forms. Then add the cinnamon stick, orange zest, and the split and scraped vanilla bean.
5. Allow the syrup to cool completely, then add it to the strained myrtle wine. Mix well to combine the flavors.
6. Pour the myrtle wine into clean, airtight glass bottles. Let it rest for at least a month before tasting to allow the flavors to develop.

Tips:

• Choose ripe and quality myrtle berries for optimal results.
• Use quality red wine with soft tannins to avoid any bitterness in the myrtle wine.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your taste. Some people prefer a sweeter myrtle wine, while others prefer it drier.

Food and Wine Pairing:

Myrtle wine is ideal for pairing with desserts made from red fruits, such as fruit tarts, sorbets, or fruit salads. It can also be enjoyed as an aperitif, alone or with olives and hard cheeses.

Storage:

Myrtle wine can be stored for several months in a cool, dark place. Once opened, the bottle should be refrigerated and consumed within the next two weeks.

FAQ:

1. What is the difference between myrtle wine and myrtle liqueur?
Myrtle wine is an alcoholic beverage made by macerating myrtle berries in wine, while myrtle liqueur is prepared by mixing myrtle berries with alcohol (usually vodka) and sugar.
2. Can I use dried myrtle berries to make myrtle wine?
Yes, you can use dried myrtle berries if you do not have access to fresh berries. However, keep in mind that the taste and aroma will be less intense.
3. Is it possible to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your preferences. However, sugar helps to balance the bitterness of the myrtle berries, so it is recommended to keep at least some of the sugar indicated in the recipe.
4. Can I use white wine instead of red wine?
Yes, you can use white wine if you prefer. However, note that red wine will give a more intense color to the myrtle wine.
Now you have all the necessary information to prepare your own homemade myrtle wine. Enjoy this delicious and fragrant beverage at your parties or to share a convivial moment with friends!