Oak-Aged Homemade Blackberry Wine

This rich, full-bodied blackberry wine gains complexity and depth from aging in a BarrelsWood oak cask. The oak imparts subtle vanilla and spice notes that beautifully complement the fruit flavors. Prep Time: 2 hours Fermentation Time: 6-8 weeks Aging Time: 6-12 months Total Time: 7-14 months Servings: 5 bottles (750ml each) Category: Beverages Cuisine: Homebrew Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 5 bottles (750ml each)

Equipment

- 1-gallon glass carboy
- Airlock and stopper
- Large mesh straining bag
- Large pot
- Hydrometer
- Siphon and tubing
- Wine bottles and corks

Ingredients

6 lbs fresh blackberries
2.5 lbs granulated sugar
1 packet wine yeast Lalvin 71B-1122
1 tsp yeast nutrient
1 Campden tablet crushed
Water to 1 gallon
1 BarrelsWood 5L oak cask for aging

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit
Wash blackberries thoroughly.
Place berries in the mesh bag and lightly crush to release juices.
Make the Must
In a large pot, dissolve sugar in 1/2 gallon of warm water.
Add the crushed blackberries in the mesh bag.
Top up with water to reach 1 gallon.
Add yeast nutrient and crushed Campden tablet.
Cover and let sit for 24 hours.
Start Fermentation
Remove the Campden tablet.
Sprinkle yeast over the surface.
Cover and let ferment for 5-7 days, stirring daily.
Secondary Fermentation
Remove fruit bag, squeezing gently to extract juice.
Siphon liquid into sanitized carboy.
Attach airlock and let ferment for 4-6 weeks.
Oak Aging
Prepare your BarrelsWood 5L oak cask according to instructions.
Siphon wine into the oak cask.
Age for 6-12 months, tasting periodically to achieve desired oak flavor.
Bottle the Wine
Siphon wine from oak cask into sanitized bottles.
Cork bottles and store upright for 3 days.
Age in bottles for an additional 3-6 months before drinking.

Notes

Use very ripe blackberries for the best flavor.
Sanitize all equipment thoroughly before use.
Keep fermentation temperature between 70-75°F (21-24°C).
The BarrelsWood oak cask will impart flavors more quickly than larger barrels. Taste regularly to avoid over-oaking.
Nutrition
Calories: 160 per 5 oz serving
Carbohydrates: 5g
Alcohol: 12-14% ABV