Straw wine

A type of wine made from dried grapes

Straw wine, also known as raisin wine, is a type of dessert wine made from grapes that have been dried to concentrate their juice. This process results in a sweet wine with a rich flavor profile. The drying of the grapes can occur on straw mats, hence the name "straw wine," or by hanging the grapes in a well-ventilated area.

Production Process

The production of straw wine involves several key steps:

Grape Selection

The process begins with the selection of high-quality grapes, often those with a high sugar content. Common grape varieties used include Muscat, Riesling, and Zinfandel.

Drying

Once harvested, the grapes are laid out on straw mats or hung in bunches to dry. This drying process can take several weeks and allows the grapes to lose water content, thereby concentrating the sugars and flavors. The drying can be done indoors or outdoors, depending on the climate and tradition of the region.

Fermentation

After drying, the grapes are pressed to extract the concentrated juice. The juice is then fermented, often in oak barrels, to develop the wine's complex flavors. The fermentation process can take several months, and the wine may be aged further to enhance its characteristics.

Bottling

Once fermentation and aging are complete, the wine is bottled. Straw wines are typically bottled in smaller quantities due to their intense sweetness and flavor.

Characteristics

Straw wines are known for their rich, sweet taste and complex aroma. They often exhibit flavors of dried fruit, honey, and nuts. The wine's sweetness is balanced by its acidity, making it a popular choice for pairing with desserts or as a dessert on its own.

History

The tradition of making straw wine dates back to ancient times, with evidence of similar winemaking techniques found in Ancient Greece and Rome. The method was revived in the Middle Ages and has continued to be popular in various wine-producing regions around the world.

Regions

Straw wine is produced in several countries, each with its own unique style and tradition:

• Italy: Known as Vin Santo, Italian straw wine is often made from Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes.
• France: In the Jura region, Vin de Paille is a well-known straw wine.
• Germany: Known as Strohwein or Schilfwein, German straw wines are typically made from Riesling grapes.
• Austria: Austrian straw wines are often made from Grüner Veltliner and Zweigelt grapes.

Related pages

• Dessert wine
• Ice wine
• Fortified wine
• Late harvest wine

Gallery

File:Vin Santo.jpg

A bottle of Italian Vin Santo, a type of straw wine.

File:Strohwein.jpg

A glass of German Strohwein.