How To Make Concord Grape Wine

Take a sip of nostalgia with the timeless classic that is Concord grape wine! Whether you have a passion for all things wine or are just beginning your grape journey, you've come to the right place to learn about making your very own fruity libation. So, get ready to take your love for grapes to the next level and join us as we help you uncork the secret to creating a delectable bottle of Concord grape wine.

What Are Concord Grapes?

Before we dive into the wine-making process, let's get to know the star of the show - the Concord grape. This robust, versatile, and deeply purple grape variety is native to the northeastern United States. Famous for its unique and unmistakable flavor profile, Concord grapes combine a sweet taste with a slightly tart finish, making them perfect for creating a delicious homemade wine.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before getting started, make sure you have the right equipment on hand. Here's a list of supplies you'll need:

• 8-12 pounds of fresh Concord grapes
• 2.5 pounds of granulated sugar
• Water (filtered, if possible)
• 1 teaspoon of wine yeast (preferably one designed for red wines)
• 1 teaspoon of yeast nutrient
• 1 campden tablet (optional, to sanitize the must)
• A fermentation bucket with a fitted lid and airlock
• A mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• A large pot for boiling water
• A glass or plastic carboy for secondary fermentation
• A siphon for transferring the wine
• Bottles, corks, and a corker for bottling the finished wine

Step 2: Prepare The Grapes

Start by thoroughly rinsing your Concord grapes to remove any dirt and debris. Next, remove the grapes from the stems and discard any damaged or moldy grapes. A quick and easy way to do this is by running your hands through a colander filled with grapes, allowing the grapes to separate from the stems.

Step 3: Create The Must

The "must" refers to the unfermented grape mixture that will eventually transform into your delicious wine. First, crush your grapes in your fermentation bucket to release their flavorful juices - you can do this with a grape crusher or with clean hands. Once your grapes are well-crushed, dissolve your sugar in 2-3 quarts of boiling water. Once fully dissolved, pour the sugar water into the fermentation bucket with the crushed grapes and top up with enough cold water to create 5 gallons of must. Let the mixture cool down to room temperature (about 70°F).

Step 4: Add Your Yeast & Nutrients

Once your must has cooled down to the right temperature, it's time to add your yeast and yeast nutrient. Dissolve the yeast in a small amount of warm water (not hot!) and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, add both the yeast and yeast nutrient to your must. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is properly mixed.

Step 5: Primary Fermentation

Seal your fermentation bucket with an airlock and let the magic happen. Store the bucket in a cool, dark place for one week, occasionally opening the lid and stirring the mixture with a sanitized spoon.

Step 6: Secondary Fermentation

After one week, it's time to transfer your grape must to a carboy for secondary fermentation. Using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the must into the carboy, leaving the grape skins and pulp behind. Attach an airlock to your carboy and let it ferment for an additional 4-6 weeks.

Step 7: Bottling Your Wine

Once the secondary fermentation is complete, use a siphon to transfer the wine into clean, sanitized bottles, leaving any sediment behind. Seal the bottles with corks and let them age for at least 3 months before enjoying your delicious homemade Concord grape wine!

How To Make Concord Grape Wine Example:

Imagine hosting a cozy autumn gathering and treating your friends to a glass of your own homemade Concord grape wine, carefully aged to perfection. As they sip on your creation, you'll share the journey of each delectable drop - from grape to glass. The unmistakable sweet and tart flavors shine through, transporting you and your guests back to those carefree childhood days of crisp fall air and grape-stained fingers.

Now that you've mastered the art of Concord grape wine-making, we hope you'll take pride in your newest talent and share it with the world. Don't forget to explore our other guides and articles on the Black Wine Club website for more inspiration and knowledge on all things wine. And of course, we'd love for you to share this article with your fellow wine enthusiasts so they too can experience the joy of crafting their very own bottle of Concord grape wine. Cheers!