Spirited Fruit Wines

Awaken Your Palate

Fruit Wines are made from a variety of base ingredients that are other than grapes. However, they are factually fermented alcoholic beverages. These wines may also contain additional flavors that are often derived from herbs, flowers, and fruits.

Moreover, the definition of fruit wines is quite a few times broadened so as to include any alcoholic fermented beverage as well with the exception of beer.

Historically, cider, mead, and perry are also excluded from the demarcation of fruit wines. Nonetheless, fruit wines have traditionally been celebrated by home winemakers. Especially in areas with colder climates like Scandinavia and North America. And in subtropical climatic conditions like East Africa, India, and the Philippines where wine is generally made from bananas.

There are many good reasons to start drinking more fruit wine in 2023. The first and the most obvious reason is that fruit wines taste good. They are a great alternative to having grape wines all the time. And are fun to make in case you are into making wines. Fruit wines also go well with the environment, especially when you buy locally-made fruit wines as opposed to imported wines. Or even if you make these wines from locally grown fruits.

Another important reason to start drinking fruit wine this year is that they are also very good for your health. A healthy diet alongside an active lifestyle are critical for maintaining good health. Moreover, fruits and vegetables effectively provide fiber, minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that are crucial to a healthy diet. Additionally, fruit wines also happen to be a natural source of energy. However, the real health equity that sets them apart from grape wines is that they have a very high Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) content.

Drink With Class

You can serve most fruity wines in standard white wine glasses chilled between 7-10 degrees Celsius. This will effectively bring out the fruity flavor notes. And then you can pair the fruity wines with appetizers like mixed berry parfait desserts, smoked sausages, or spicy barbecues. And dry fruity wines will go thoroughly well with cheese and cured meats.

Other types of fruity wines are made from fruit juices besides fermented grape juice. Some of the best styles of fruit wines for you to try are:

  • Apple Wine
  • Banana Wine
  • Blueberry Wine
  • Elderberry Wine
  • Mango Wine
  • Pear or Perry Wine
  • Pineapple Wine
  • Strawberry Wine
  • Watermelon Wine

Now that we know the different types of fruit wines, let us check out on some top fruit wine brands.

Best Fruit Wine Brands for Beginners

Some fruit wines are sweet. Other Fruit wines are dry. And they do not have the high tannins that bolder wines have. It makes them easier to sip for beginners.

Fruity red wines are delicious. They display soft and juicy primary fruit flavors. With good acidity and low tannin levels, fruity red wines are generally light. They prominently have red fruit flavors of cherries, plums, raspberries, and strawberries. Additionally, they may also exhibit aromas of banana, bubble gum, pepper, or spice.

Not Old But Mellow

All fruity wines are normally easy-drinking wines and are expected to be drunk young while they are fresh and juicy.

Nevertheless, all fruit wines are pleasant and easy to approach. Even for people who find red wine to be strong. They have very little or no mouth-drying tannin content. Overall, they are outstanding wines that are exciting and vibrant with mouthwatering juicy fruit flavors.

Here is a short list of top fruit wine brands for beginners to choose from:

  • Barbera: This fruit wine is refreshingly fruity with aromas of black and red fruits. It follows with flavors of blackberry, cherry, and plum. With low tannin and high acidity, the body is light to medium, but can also feel full sometimes. Barbera is best drunk as fresh and young, while serious wines age well.
  • Bonarda: Tasting aromas of red fruit along with well-developed flavors of cherry, plum, raspberry, and strawberry, Bonarda comes with some spicy notes. The body of this fruit wine is generally light, but can also be medium to full sometimes. With low to medium tannin content and medium acidity, this fruit wine is best drunk young.
  • Cabernet Franc: With aromas of black and red fruits along with juicy flavors of bell pepper, blackcurrant, cedar, cherry, loganberry, and raspberry Cabernet Franc often displays herbaceous qualities and mineral notes. With light to medium body and low tannins, this fruit wine is high in acidity. Although the finest wines age well, this one is best drunk within a few years of release.
  • Cinsault: This wine displays a fruit-forward taste. It is lively with pronounced aromas of red fruits and delightfully followed by flavors of morello cherry, pomegranate, raspberry, and strawberry. It comes along with a white pepper spiciness and a savory quality. However, most often this wine is confined to a supporting role in blends. Cinsault’s body is normally light to medium but can also be full at times with low-yielding old vines. With low tannin and high acidity, this type of blended wine and rarer varieties are best enjoyed within a few years of release. Cinsault is known as Ottavianello in Italy. It is often called Blue Imperial in Australia and traditionally addressed as Hermitage in South Africa.
  • Corvina (Standard): With a cherry-scented aroma along with hints of almonds and herbs, this wine leads to a dominant sour cherry flavor alongside a bitter finish. With a light body and low tannin content, Corvina is very refreshing. It displays high acidity and is best drunk young. This wine is also the main component of Bardolino and Valpolicella wines.
  • Dolcetto: This fruity wine displays aromas of black and red fruits with vibrant flavors of black cherry and plum. It comes together with bitter almonds and hints of licorice. With a light to medium body, Dolcetto contains medium to high, but soft tannins. It has low to medium acidity and is best drunk while young.
  • Dornfelder: With aromas of bramble and red fruits leading to flavors of blackberry, blackcurrant, fresh cherry, and plum, this wine is light in body but can be medium to full sometimes. It has low tannin content and medium acidity. Dornfelder is dry, sweet to taste, and is best drunk while young.
  • Gamay (Beaujolais): With aromas of banana and red fruit along with a hint of spice, this wine gives way to prominent flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. Gamay exhibits light to medium body alongside low tannin content and medium to high acidity. It is best drunk while young and fruity but is found to improve with age.
  • Lambrusco: This is a light and refreshing wine with aromas of red berries and violets. It is followed by flavors of red cherries, fresh strawberries, and a gratifying bitter almond twist on the finish. With a light body and low tannin content, Lambrusco is high in acidity. It is best drunk as soon as possible after release. Relatively low in alcohol, Lambrusco is dry, slightly fizzy, and called Secco in Italian.
  • Lemberger (Blaufränkisch): With aromas of black and red fruit along with pronounced flavors of blackberry, plum, red cherry, and redcurrant, this wine comes with the spiciness of black pepper. It is light to medium in the body with well-balanced tannin content. Lemberger imparts medium to high acidity and is best drunk young and fruity. It is known as Blaufränkisch in Austria and Kékfrankos in Hungary. Sometimes spelled Limberger, it is called Frankovka in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
  • Mencia: This fruit wine is light and refreshing along with aromas of black and red fruits. It gives way to flavors of blackcurrant, cherry, plum and raspberry. Mencia is usually accompanied by herbal, mineral, and spicy notes. This light to medium-bodied wine with balanced tannins has medium to high acidity. It is best drunk as fresh and young. Mencia is known as Jaen in Portugal.
  • Pinot Noir (Light): This wine is very light, delicate and refreshing. It comes along with aromas of fresh red fruit followed by soft and subtle flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. It is light with low tannins and high acidity. Pinot Noir is best drunk as young and fruity. Pinot Noir is known as Blauburgunder in Austria.
  • Schiava (Trollinger / Vernatsch): This wine with notes of almonds, herbs, and violets and aromas of red berries is followed by flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. It leads to a refreshing bitter almond and sometimes slightly spicy finish. Schiava can also display delicate earthy and mineral notes sometimes. It is light with low tannins and low to medium acidity. You can relish this wine as fresh and young while the best ones are aged between 2 to 5 years. Schiava is also known as Trollinger in southern Germany and Vernatsch in northern Italy.
  • Tarrango: This wine is light and very refreshing. It comes along with aromas of red berries and a hint of spice, which is followed by juicy flavors of cherry, raspberry, and redcurrant leading to a dry but fresh finish. Tarrango is light in body with low tannins and high acidity. It is normally drunk within two years of vintage and best served chilled like a Rosé. 
  • Teroldego: With aromas of dried fruits, red berries, and violets this wine is followed by flavors of blackberry, cherry, cranberry, and plum. It comes along with a refreshing bitter almond note on the finish. With a generally light to medium or full body, Teroldego has low to medium tannins and medium to high acidity. This wine is best drunk within a few years of release. Teroldego can also be made in a compelling style with low yields and oak aging.

Top Fruit Wineries Worldwide

People love all types of wines. But fruity wines are more approachable and stand apart. Common dark flavors and a dry mouthfeel just aren’t that appealing for some.

There are numerous fruit wine brands available on the market today. Here are some favorites we would like to share.

  • Barefoot: This is the most awarded winery in the world. They produce a wide variety of sweet or fruity wines. Barefoot offers a wide selection of wine brands in the United States. The ultimate goal of this winery is to bring people together with wine. This is why we can find the most affordable option available as the Barefoot moniker.

The Pinot Grigio and Red Moscato are favorites from a number of fruit-forward wines the company puts out. Along with hints of citrus, the Barefoot Pinot Grigio is light and refreshing. While the Red Moscato is very sweet and has intense flavors of nectarine and peach. Barefoot also has options made with peaches, raspberries, and watermelon. And you can never go wrong with the Barefoot Bubbly, Breezy Rose, or Moscato varieties.

  • Beringer: This winery makes a savory White Zinfandel. It is light and refreshing along with just a touch of sweetness. This fruity wine is perfect for summer BBQs or picnics. It is a go-to favorite and one of the first wines you can ever lay your hands on. The sweetness of this fruity wine is never overpowering. But it is just enough to make this wine enjoyable for beginners.

Beringer is the longest continually operating winery in California. And was the first winery to use gravity-fed facilities with hand-dug cellars and caves. Beringer started giving public tours as early as 1934 which subsequently spawned a tradition in the Napa Valley. This winery is also the first establishment to beget both, the red and white #1 Wine of the Year award. They offer a wide variety of quality reds and whites that are made in addition to White Zinfandel.

  • Black Box Wines: This winery was created with the modern consumer in mind. The Black Box offers high-quality wines in convenient, single-serve boxes that are perfect for having them on the go. They use premium grape varieties from some of the best vineyards around the world. This guarantees that you will get a great-tasting wine all the time. The best part about this company is that they offer a wide range of flavors and styles to choose from. Irrespective of whether you are looking for a bold and fruity Merlot or a light and refreshing Pinot Grigio. They have something for everyone.

 Black Box Wines are also perfect for people who do not want to have a full bottle at a time. The 3-liter box they offer is the equivalent of four bottles. It is easy to pour a glass or two and save the rest for another time. Additionally, this packaging is eco-friendly as well. The Pinot Noir offered by the Black Box has a smooth finish and is well-balanced with flavors of cherries and strawberries. Their Moscato is also very good. Or try the Rose and the Sauvignon Blanc for a good time without breaking the bank. You can always be sure to find what you will love from Black Box because they offer such a wide variety of styles. 

  • Bota Box: The wine box is a favorite trend for wine lovers around the world. Although it is not new, there are some trendy new options to choose from. Bota Box is yet another addition to this preference. Their Malbec is a favorite flavor if you are a sucker for a good Malbec. This one will not disappoint you. Bota Box Malbec is bold and fruity with flavors of blackberry and plum. And it comes in a 3-liter box that is perfect for any occasion. Their Pinot Noir which is light and refreshing is also very good. It comes with flavors of cherry and cranberry in a 3-liter box as well. 

Bota Box also offers Buttery Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Rose, and Sauvignon Blanc if you are looking for something else. Mind you every Bota Box comes in eco-friendly packaging. Moreover, you can also try the Bota Brick or Bota Mini if you really do not feel like committing to just one flavor. Bota Brick serves you 1.5 liters and the Bota Mini is just a couple of glasses at a time. The Bota Box Breeze comes in several different flavors that give you the same great wine with fewer calories. Although more calories often mean more flavor. 

  • Cavit: This winery produces a wide array of sweet fruit wines. Their Pinot Grigio with hints of citrus is light and refreshing. Cavit also makes Moscato. This wine is very sweet and perfect for those who prefer dessert wines. The Prosecco from Cavit is a fantastic sparkling wine that is perfect when you are in the mood to celebrate. This wine has a light body along with subtle fruit flavors that you will relish. 

You can also try the Riesling and Sweet Reds from Cavit. There is no shortage of sweet wines here. Cavit basically is an Italian wine producer who has been around since the 1970s. They offer a selection of reds and whites in addition to fruit wines. Cavit also offers a line of organic wines as well. Their vineyards and wineries use sustainable practices and are located in northern Italy. 

  • Chateau St. Michelle: The Riesling from this winery is crisp and fruity along with flavors of green apples and peaches. This wine is perfect for summer sipping and pairs extremely well with light appetizers like fruits. The Harvest Riesling from this winery is difficult to find. So, grab it if you have a chance. It is sweeter and more intense along with flavors of apricots and honey. And you will love the citrus bend of their Riesling which comes along with the heavy sweetness of the Harvest Riesling. 

This winery is the largest wine producer in Washington State. They have been around since 1967 offering a wide variety of other wines like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir as well as a selection of red blends. You will be delighted to try their Gewurtztraminer which is not as sweet as the Riesling. It will make a perfect white wine for fall sipping along with floral aromas and spice flavors.

Fruit Wine Benefits

Abundant in polyphenols that are antioxidants, wines can improve the function of the inner lining of the heart. Eventually, they can raise levels of healthy cholesterol. On the other hand, moderate amounts of beer, cider, and other alcoholic beverages are normally associated with a 10 percent increase in the risk of heart disease.

Grape-based alcohol has an indisputable protective connection. This affiliation is also recognized with alcohol-free wine. It implies that these advantages are duly associated with polyphenols in the wine and not with alcohol.

This beneficial connection between wine and health is however countered by other hazards, including cancer. Studies reveal that people who drink less beer, cider, or other spirits have a higher risk of cancer, cerebrovascular, and heart diseases leading to death.

Nonetheless, these studies invariably do not support the idea that alcohol from any drink type is advantageous to health. Alcohol as such can be harmful to health even when modestly consumed.

FAQs

What are the interesting facts about fruity wine?

There are three aspects of fruity wine that one should know. Firstly, fruit wines are different from sweet wines. They can be dry, off-dry, or sweet with fruit notes. The fruitiness in this type of wine is mostly associated with the aroma. Normally, the sweetness of the wine is attributed to its taste. And sweet wines typically have more than 35 grams of residual sugar per liter.

Secondly, fruity wines are not dessert wines. But certain fruit wine styles, like Port and Riesling, can also be enjoyed as dessert wines. Quite often, fruit wines have above 14 percent alcohol alongside a pronounced sweet flavor. And they go very well with dessert.

Lastly, cider is in fact a type of fruity wine. It is made from a single fruit. Cider can be made from orchard fruits like apples or pears. They undergo fermentation that brings the alcohol level between 3 to 8 percent. However, there is a huge difference between apple cider juice and apple wine. Apple wines have more sugar alongside a higher alcohol level of 12 percent.

Fruity wines normally come in a variety of flavors, sweetness levels, and styles. This diversity is what makes it possible for all wine drinkers to find a wine that best suits their palate. Many fruity wines like the Burgundian Pinot Noir also make for a great investment option.

What is ORAC?

ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. It is a method of measuring the antioxidant capacities of different foods. ORAC was initially developed by scientists at the National Institute on Aging (NIA) in the USA.

Fruit wines made from apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, grapes, pears, plums, raspberries, and strawberries are a good source of polyphenol antioxidants. They provide huge health benefits and should be part of a healthy diet.

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