Federweisser

Federweisser
Photo: Huhulenik,CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Federweisser is a partially fermented grape juice, not yet wine, popular in Germany and other European regions. It has a sweet taste that gradually becomes less sweet as fermentation continues, and typically contains 4-11% alcohol.

How it is made

Federweisser is made from early grape varieties that begin fermentation but are not yet fully wine. It contains yeast, lactic acid, carbonic acid, and a large amount of B vitamins. Due to active fermentation, its alcohol content increases while sweetness decreases.

Types and styles

The three main types of Federweisser are white (most common), pink (Schilchersturm), and red (Federroter). It is typically available in autumn (September and October) and must be consumed within a few days as it cannot be stored long-term.

How it is served

Federweisser is traditionally served with hearty dishes such as onion pie and edible chestnuts. It is sold in plastic containers with loosely fitting lids or in bottles with non-hermetically sealed caps, which must be stored vertically. The drink is popular in wine-growing regions across Europe.

Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Новое вино, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.