Topic: Elderberry wine - have I done it all wrong?

[Suzie Q]

Hi,

I've just started a blackberry wine off with 6lbs of berrys to 7pts water and 2.5 lbs of sugar.

the recipe stated that this was fine for all berry receipes so I have put elderberrys in the bucket - mashed them and added 7pts of boiling water and left overnight.

Having now looked at other recipes most say to boil the berries in a bag and then drain.

Is what I have done so far okay or should I chuck this and go picking again?????????

Thanks
Sue

[saddad]

Dunno, but I'll be watching for a reply as I was asked at work about an Elderberry wine recipe and I suggested they tried here!
 ;D

[grotbag]

not sure bout quantities, but thats how i do it,when ready strain through a muslin bag.will check my book for you 

[heeby]

that should be fine just strain the brew before you add it to your demi john
mark

[Suzie Q]

Thanks for your help - will strain the mixture today!

[adrianhumph]

Hi all,
         Just seen this post so a little late in replying, 6lbs of elderberries is way too many for a gallon. They are notoriously high in tannin & have a strong flavour. When you taste the wine it will be very astringent & make you pucker your lips :o  Far better to use them in 1lb additions to your blackberries to create a more blanced flavour. If you find that the elderberry wine is a bit tough :-X  don`t despair, use it to blend with other wines to vary their flavours. I like to line up several glasses & try a bit of this with a bit of that & maybe a little bit of that with a little bit of this, get my drift :o
                                                                   Adrian.