Is Cider Wine? A Comprehensive Guide to Apple Beverages
When it comes to the fine art of fermenting juice to create alcoholic beverages, many people are often confused by the differences between cider and apple wine. This article aims to clarify the distinctions between these two popular apple-based drinks, exploring their definitions, production methods, and overall characteristics.
Understanding Cider and Apple Wine: Definitions and Differences
Hyphenated as ldquo;ciderrdquo; or as separate words ldquo;ciderrdquo; and ldquo;wine,rdquo; these beverages often blur the lines between what is considered fruit wine and other fermented products. According to my personal opinion, cider is apple juice fermented with the wild yeasts on the apple skins. Apple wine, on the other hand, is fermented with a wine yeast, typically after pasteurization or sterilization of the juice.
Camra's Definition of 'Real' Cider
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) provides a more detailed and less technical definition of ldquo;real cider,rdquo; which was developed in consultation with traditional cider makers. According to CAMRA, apple wine falls outside the scope of ldquo;real cider.rdquo;
Is There a Clear Difference Between Cider and Apple Wine?
On one hand, some say that there isn’t a clear point of difference between apple wine and alcoholic cider. However, several distinguishing factors do exist. Firstly, the carbonation level can vary significantly. While much cider in the UK is carbonated, the vast majority of apple wine is still, meaning it is not carbonated. Secondly, the alcohol content varies greatly, with apple wine usually containing an alcohol by volume (ABV) of over 10%, while most cider from UK producers has a maximum ABV of 7.5%.
Adding Sugar for High Alcohol Content
Finding the high ABV in apple wine requires the addition of sugar. In contrast, most cider may or may not have additional sugar for increased flavor or alcohol content. This step is crucial for achieving the desired ABV levels in apple wine.
Defining Wine and Its Relationship with Cider
Defining wine can be complex as it often comes down to opinion and cultural perspective. Some wine purists or snobs claim that true wine must begin with grapes. However, in my opinion, wine is a beverage made by fermenting fruit juice, and my definition includes a wide range of fruits like apples, pears, raspberries, and even simpler ingredients such as dandelions or rose petals.
The Making of Cider and Apple Wine
The process of making cider is closer to winemaking than beer making. In the United States, laws regarding cider are typically made at the state level, resulting in varied regulations across the country. Cider laws often group cider with either beer or wine laws, but rarely do they treat it as an independent category.
Processing Cider vs. Apple Wine
Cider is usually served in a pint, much like beer, appearing yellow-brown with bubbles. This often leads to its classification as a beer. However, the production process of cider is more akin to winemaking, involving minimal steps such as crushing the apples and letting the juice ferment naturally, often with the help of wild yeasts present on the apples. Apple wine, in contrast, requires more intervention, such as pasteurization and the use of wine yeast.
Ultimately, whether cider is considered ldquo;apple winerdquo; depends on the regulatory framework being used. Beer makers may find the process of cider production less familiar, but a wine maker would likely have a better grasp of the techniques involved.
Conclusion
While there is no clear distinction between apple wine and cider, these two beverages offer a unique experience, each with its own complexities and history. Understanding the nuances of these drinks can enhance one's appreciation for the diversity of apple-based alcoholic beverages.