How To Make Lemon Wine

Thinly peel the lemon zest without the white and keep to one side.
Extract the juice from the lemons and keep to one side.
Bring 2 litres/4 pints of water to the boil and add the sugar.
Create a syrup, and add to fermenting bucket.
Now add lemon zest.
Add pectolase.
Leave to cool.
At around 20°c add lemon juice, and chopped raisins or sultanas.
Add half of the yeast nutrient and half of the yeast.
After 24 hours add remainder of the yeast and yeast nutrient.
Note: adding yeast and nutrient over several days is advised.
Top up to 5 litre mark/1 gallon. (you’ll need 5 litres for 6 bottles of wine).
Cover loosely and leave for 14 days stirring daily.
After 14 days, strain the mixture through a muslin cloth into a clean demijohn.
Leave to stand for around 3 weeks.
Rack wine into a clean demijohn and add a crushed campden tablet.
Once wine clears bottle.
Leave for 3 months before drinking!
This lemon wine truly shines with age. Patience is key. Give it at least three months to mature. This waiting period allows the flavours to meld beautifully. You’ll discover a much richer taste. However, this recipe presents a unique challenge. The high acidity in lemons can hinder fermentation. It may even stop the yeast activity. This is a common hurdle for winemakers. To provide the wine with necessary body and depth, raisins or sultanas are essential. These dried fruits contribute significant flavour. They also add a desirable mouthfeel. Without them, the wine could taste thin. The sugars from the fruit feed the yeast. This process develops complex aromas. It builds a robust character in the final product. Think of them as the wine’s backbone. They ensure a satisfying drinking experience. The careful balance of lemon’s brightness and the fruit’s sweetness is crucial. This balance is what makes aged lemon wine so special. It transforms from a sharp, tart beverage. It becomes a smooth, complex drink. The ageing process is where the magic happens. It refines the initial intensity. It unlocks hidden layers of flavour. The goal is a harmonious blend. The fruit provides that essential weight. It prevents the wine from being overly acidic. It adds a lingering finish. So, while the initial fermentation might test your resolve, the reward is well worth it. Embrace the process. Learn from each batch. Your aged lemon wine will thank you.
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Initial fermentation time: 14 days
Time to be ready to drink: 3 months
10 lemons (washed and dried)
2¾lb/1¼ kg sugar
1lb/450 g, chopped raisins or sultanas
1 tsp/5g pectolase
1 tsp/5g yeast nutrient
1 tsp/5g wine yeast
1 Campden tablet
Sweetness: Dry
Calories per bottle: 400 approx
Yield: 6 bottles
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