What is rhubarb wine?

Rhubarb wine is an original and delicious beverage, loved by homemade wine enthusiasts for its freshness and delicately tangy fruit notes. Made from fully ripened rhubarb stalks, it charms with its perfect balance between sweetness and liveliness. Easy to prepare, especially for amateur gardeners who have rhubarb plants in their garden, this light wine is a true gem to discover. In this article, learn everything you need to know about rhubarb wine and follow our traditional recipe to make it yourself!

What is Rhubarb Wine?

Unlike classic wines made from grapes, rhubarb wine belongs to the family of homemade fruit wines. It is crafted from rhubarb juice, obtained after maceration and fermentation. It’s a refreshing alternative, perfect for fans of natural, artisanal drinks, and can be compared to a light white wine. It typically features a beautiful pale yellow or slightly pink color, depending on the variety used.

When and How to Harvest Rhubarb for Wine?

To produce quality wine, it is essential to harvest the best rhubarb plants during their peak season, generally between April and July. Rhubarb stalks should be firm yet still tender. Avoid using tough or woody rhubarb, which would result in a bitter taste. Before starting the preparation, it’s important to thoroughly wash the rhubarb to remove any impurities.

Ingredients for Successful Homemade Rhubarb Wine

• 3 to 4 kg of chopped rhubarb
• 3.5 kg of white or cane sugar
• 5 liters of spring water, preferably
• 1 packet of yeast specific for fermentation (or natural wild yeasts)
• A nylon strainer for the filtration step

The Traditional Rhubarb Wine Recipe

1. Preparing the Rhubarb: Cut the rhubarb stalks into small chunks. Layer them in a large container, alternating with layers of sugar.
2. Maceration: Let the mixture sit for 48 hours. The sugar will begin to extract the fruit’s juices, creating a rich, aromatic rhubarb syrup.
3. Fermentation: Add the spring water to the mixture and introduce the yeast. Let it ferment gently for about ten days, stirring lightly every two days to ensure a balanced fermentation.
4. Filtration and Transfer: Carefully filter the mixture using a nylon strainer to remove rhubarb residues. Transfer the liquid into a fermentation vessel for a slower, continued fermentation.
5. Maturation and Bottling: After about two to three months of fermentation and clarification, proceed with bottling into 75cl wine bottles. Let the wine rest for a few more weeks before tasting to enjoy a perfectly balanced flavor.

The Best Food Pairings with Rhubarb Wine

Rhubarb wine is a perfect companion for aperitifs, served well chilled. It also pairs wonderfully with:

• Strong cheeses like Roquefort or Bleu d'Auvergne
• Foie gras, thanks to its mellow and slightly tangy character
• Fruity desserts or tarts made with strawberries, raspberries, or rhubarb

Thanks to its tangy fruit notes, it can also be used to create refreshing cocktails, mixed with Champagne or sparkling water.

A Unique Artisanal Fruit Wine to Discover

Homemade rhubarb wine charms with its unique character and authenticity. Passionate producers like Michel Moine, Damien Moine, and Yannick Moine (from Ferme de Rasey) have helped revive this traditional craft, perfecting rhubarb wine to its highest level (Moelleux de Rhubarbe, lightly sparkling Perlé de Rhubarbe, and more). With its natural sugars directly from the original fruit and its natural freshness, rhubarb wine captures the full potential of this tangy plant to offer an unusual and refreshing drink.

Making your own rhubarb wine is a wonderful way to make the most of your harvest while creating an original, artisanal, and delicious beverage. Whether you are a homemade wine enthusiast or simply curious to explore new flavors, try preparing this springtime nectar, success guaranteed at your table!

FAQ - Rhubarb wine

Is rhubarb wine a real wine?

Not in the strict sense. Unlike classic wines made from grapes, rhubarb wine belongs to the family of homemade fruit wines. It is crafted from rhubarb juice obtained after maceration and fermentation, and is close to a light white wine.

What does rhubarb wine taste like?

It charms with its balance between sweetness and liveliness, with delicately tangy fruit notes and plenty of freshness. Its colour is pale yellow or slightly pink depending on the rhubarb variety used. It is often compared to a light white wine.

Does rhubarb wine contain alcohol?

Yes. Like any drink made through fermentation, it contains alcohol produced by the yeast that converts the sugar. The strength depends on the amount of sugar and the length of fermentation. It should be enjoyed in moderation.

How long does it take to make rhubarb wine?

Allow roughly 48 hours of maceration, then about ten days of fermentation with the yeast. A slower fermentation of two to three months follows before bottling. Let the wine rest for a few more weeks before tasting.

Can you make rhubarb wine without added yeast?

Yes, the recipe can be made with natural wild yeasts rather than a packet of fermentation-specific yeast. The fermentation is then less controlled but still works. Wash the rhubarb thoroughly beforehand to remove any impurities.