Federweisser 2009
Have you tried this traditional young wine?Any of our long-term members know all about Federweisser and our annual event to taste it and enjoy an afternoon at Helm’s Winery at Murrumbateman. You would also know that there is only a short window in which to enjoy it! But for those who don’t know, what is it???
In the German speaking regions of Europe it goes under a variety names such as Neuer Wein, Federweisser, Sauser, Sturm, Suesser, Neia Siessa – but it all means the same, it tastes terrific, is delicious to drink and is not too alcoholic. It is grape juice in the early stages of becoming wine (fermentation). Fermentation is a process whereby yeast converts the grapes’ natural sugar into carbon dioxide, alcohol and eventually into wine. This unusual drink combines the taste of yeast and freshly crushed grapes with the sparkle of champagne and foams like a beer. It is not much to look at with its cloudy mauve dusty color but it is soooo good to drink in particular if you have it with freshly baked onion tart (Zwiebelkuchen).
This drink has a long tradition in the wine growing districts of the German speaking regions. No grape harvest would be complete without this fine drink to fortify the grape pickers and satisfy the eager local populous as well as the tourists. The drink is also reputed to be very healthy because of its low alcohol content and the B-vitamins it contains from the yeast.
While in days gone past Federweisser was only available in the actual wine growing districts of central Europe it is now widely available in supermarkets sold in screw top bottles with a small hole in the top and a piece of paper glued over it to prevent the bottle from exploding due to too much gas building up inside. Supermarkets keep the bottles in cool storage that virtually stops the fermentation process. You buy a bottle and keep it at room temperature that restarts fermentation and in two days it is ready to drink.
For the last few years, Helms Winery near Murrumbateman has given us the opportunity to sample Federweisser and to learn about the finer details of wine making. This year’s crop is almost ready, and because of the fermentation process, we have only a small window of opportunity in which to try it. It’s a great day out in the Autumn weather enjoying Federweisser and its traditional accompaniment, onion tart.
Where: Helms Winery, Butts Road, Murrumbateman (car pooling available – please let Paul know when you RSVP so we can make transport arrangements).
When: a Sunday in late March from 2pm. Ken Helm will tell us when the wine is ready to drink.
Cost: $12 per person. This includes two glasses of wine and a piece of Zwiebelkuchen.
Bring: Picnic rug/chairs, containers if you wish to take home some Federweisser.
Please RSVP to Paul on 6281 0486 and he will confirm the date once known.
posted by aetherwellen @ Friday, March 06, 2009
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