How to Make Damson Wine

Damson plum wine is a slightly tart wine with a full bodied, fruity flavor.

Things You'll Need

• 6lbs of damsons
• 3lbs if sugar
• yeast
• yeast nutrient
• pectic enzyme
• 1 gallon of water
• 2 large mixing bowls or buckets
• One fine strainer or muslin cloth
• 1 gallon demi-john
• 1 fermentation air lock

Instructions

How to Make Damson Wine

1. Boil 6 pints of water and crush the damsons in a large bowl with half of the sugar.

2. Pour the boiling water over the fruit and stir well until all of the sugar has completely dissolved.

3. Allow the mix to cool down to about 75 degrees Fahrenheit then add the pectic enzyme yeast and yeast nutrient.

4. Cover the bowl tightly and let it stand in a warm place for 48 hours to allow the fermentation process to start.

5. After 48 hours put the remaining sugar into another large bowl and strain the wine mixture over it.

6. Stir well to ensure that all the sugar has dissolved.

7. Pour into the demi-john and fit the air lock securely in place. Allow the fermentation process to continue.

8. Rack once the fermentation has stopped and the wine is really clear. Rack again three months later and store in dark bottles.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be tempted to boil the damsons this can release pectin into the wine and cause it to become gelatinous or difficult to clear.

• When straining the wine mixture, let the liquid drain through naturally, forcing it through will add to the cloudiness of the wine.