Apfelwein questions.

[Beer604]

I have a few questions about Apfelwein.

Does light negatively effect Apfelwein or other wine the same way as it
effects beer?

Why does almost all the recipes call for extra sugar in the ingredients list?

I used to work in Germany at a place where the restaurant was famous
for the Apfelwein that was produced on premises.

Apples were freshly pressed, and fermented without adding any yeast, sugar, or
Campden as many recipes call for.

The resulting Apfelwein was always great and mostly constant flavor!?

 

[user 19629]

Sugar is added to boost the alcohol content.

 

[CampFireWine]

Apples were freshly pressed, and fermented without adding any yeast, sugar, or Campden as many recipes call for.

Thats pretty good. It brings out the true flavor and character of the whole orchard and not just of the fruit.

 

[Yooper]

I have a few questions about Apfelwein.

Does light negatively effect Apfelwein or other wine the same way as it
effects beer?

Light negatively impacts ciders and wines, but not exactly in the same way as beer. Hops oils will "skunk" in light. Wines and ciders (and meads) can get "light struck" from light- it changes the flavor and color of the cider. It tastes almost oxidized when it's light struck. It sort of turns brown-ish in color, too, or in a darker wine it'll fade the color.

In short, cover the carboys when they are in the light. Short term incandescent bulbs are fine, but sunlight is a definitely no-no.

 

[Beer604]

Sugar is added to boost the alcohol content.

I should have been more precise about this question.
What I meant to ask is; why boast the alcohol content?
Just to get a better bang for the buck, or is there something else behind it?

Thank You.

 

[moxie]

I am in a bit of a pickle at the moment, I am trying to free up a carboy... Would it be advisable to move my Apfelwein to keg/secondary a mere 2 weeks in? It has not yet begun to clear, although fermentation has slowed to a crawl. I don't plan on drinking it for a while, just need to free up the carboy. Any advice would be appreciated. I could leave alone for another two weeks if necessary, but it would certainly make my life easier to move it now. Sorry for the duplicate post