The Versatility of Grapes: What Can You Make?

Grapes are truly magical. From one humble grape, you can create multiple distinct products, each with its own character and story. Here’s a quick overview of the core products made from grapes:

• Grape (Wine) – The starting point, where crushed grapes undergo fermentation to create wine.
• Grape Brandy – Distilled spirit made from fermented grape mash.
• Wine Yeast Brandy (Hefebrand) – A spirit made from wine yeast with a distinct character and usually higher alcohol content.
• Vermouth – Fortified and aromatized wine with botanicals, often used in cocktails or enjoyed on its own.

Each of these products begins with the grape but diverges in production methods and flavor profiles, offering a wide palette of tastes for enthusiasts.

The Star Grape: Orange Blood Muscat

The grape at the heart of this exploration is the Orange Blood Muscat, also known as Orangenblutmuskateller. This variety hails from the Euganean Hills near Padua, Italy – a region known for its rich soil and favorable climate for viticulture.

The grapes are harvested and crushed on-site in Italy, where the juice undergoes natural fermentation initiated by added yeast. This yeast works its magic, converting sugars into alcohol until the fermentation completes. The resulting mash then moves into tanks, where it’s distilled to produce the base for various spirits.

The Enchantment of Wine Yeast Brandy

One of my personal favorites in the grape brandy yeast spirits family is the wine yeast brandy. Also known as hefebrand, this spirit stands out for its unique production process and robust flavor profile. For example, the Nero brand also uses wine yeast in its production, highlighting the versatility of this method.

Our wine yeast brandy, produced by Fritz Vinegar in Stammersdorf, Vienna, boasts a cask strength of about 20% alcohol by volume. This spirit is not only a delight to taste but has also earned international recognition. It was awarded the coveted Spirit of the Year title at the World Spirits Award 2024, a testament to its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

What makes this wine yeast brandy special is its balance of intensity and smoothness, a product that truly honors the grape’s origins while showcasing the mastery of yeast fermentation and distillation.

Understanding the Production: From Yeast to Spirit

The process begins with carefully selected grapes, fermented with specific yeast strains that enhance the fruit’s natural flavors. The fermentation is closely monitored until the yeast has fully converted the sugars. After fermentation, the mash is distilled, concentrating the alcohol and flavors. The result is a spirit that carries the essence of the grape, enriched by the yeast’s activity.

Classic Wine Brandy: The Pure Expression

Next in line is the classic wine brandy, often referred to as “Wob Brandy” or simply brandy. This spirit is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes cultivated by the Wallik family in Psorf. Unlike the wine yeast brandy, this classic brandy is distilled directly from fermented wine, preserving the pure character of the grape.

This brandy embodies tradition and elegance—a pure wine spirit just as it should be. It’s a clear expression of terroir, grape variety, and time-honored distillation techniques that have been perfected over generations.

Vermouth: The Botanical Symphony

Another fascinating product derived from grapes is vermouth, a fortified wine infused with botanicals. Our special vermouth, labeled as V20, is distinct because it contains zero sugar and 20% alcohol by volume. The “20” in the name refers to the number of botanicals blended into this aromatic spirit.

The base for this vermouth is a Muskateller wine from the Wallik family. The absence of sugar makes it a more refined and less sweet option compared to traditional vermouths, appealing to those who appreciate a dry, complex palate.

Enjoyed chilled with ice, especially during warm summer days, this vermouth offers a refreshing yet sophisticated drinking experience. It challenges the typical perception of vermouth as a simple mixer and invites you to savor it on its own.

The Experience: Drinking Grape Brandy Yeast Spirits

Drinking these spirits is more than just tasting alcohol; it’s a journey into the vineyard’s soul. Whether it’s a bottle of wine yeast brandy at 20% alcohol or a classic grape brandy, each sip tells a story of careful cultivation, fermentation, and distillation.

To be honest, when was the last time you poured yourself a bottle of wine yeast brandy to enjoy solo? Its robust yet smooth character makes it perfect for sipping and savoring, especially on an evening when you want to appreciate the depth of flavors that only grapes and yeast can create together.

Pairing and Serving Tips

• Wine Yeast Brandy: Serve neat or with a single ice cube to appreciate its full flavor.
• Classic Wine Brandy: Ideal for after-dinner sipping, pairs well with dark chocolate or nuts.
• Vermouth V20: Perfect over ice with a twist of citrus or as a base for sophisticated cocktails.

Conclusion: Exploring the Depths of Grape Brandy Yeast Spirits

The world of grape brandy yeast spirits is a testament to the artistry and science behind transforming grapes into exceptional drinks. From the vineyards of Italy and Austria to the distillation tanks in Vienna, each step is infused with tradition, passion, and innovation.

Whether you prefer the robust and award-winning wine yeast brandy, the classic elegance of grape brandy, or the botanical charm of vermouth, these spirits invite you to discover new flavors and experiences. So next time you raise a glass, remember the story hidden inside each sip – the story of grapes, yeast, and the magic of the vineyard.