CountryWine CountryWine Making wine at home — naturally
CountryWine Recipe

Raspberry Leaf Wine

Although raspberry leaves are best known for their traditional use in herbal teas, they have also been used for generations by country winemakers to produce delicate and refreshing wines. Compared with blackberry leaf wine, raspberry leaf wine is softer and less tannic, giving it a gentler, more floral character. The infusion of young leaves produces a remarkably refined wine with hints of meadow flowers, honey and fresh herbs. Properly matured, it is an excellent example of how seemingly humble ingredients can produce elegant country wines.

The essentials

At a glance

Alcohol 11–12% ABV
Yield Approximately 1 UK gallon (4.5 L), 6 × 750 ml bottles
Difficulty Beginner
Harvest May – July (UK)
Primary Fermentation See fermentation notes below
Style Delicate aromatic herb wine
Colour Pale straw to light gold
Body Light
Sweetness Dry to off-dry
Acidity Medium
CountryWine

About this wine

Although raspberry leaves are best known for their traditional use in herbal teas, they have also been used for generations by country winemakers to produce delicate and refreshing wines. Compared with blackberry leaf wine, raspberry leaf wine is softer and less tannic, giving it a gentler, more floral character.

The infusion of young leaves produces a remarkably refined wine with hints of meadow flowers, honey and fresh herbs. Properly matured, it is an excellent example of how seemingly humble ingredients can produce elegant country wines.

CountryWine

Ingredients

  • Approximately 175–225 gm young raspberry leaves (loosely packed, around 3–4 litres)
  • 2.0–2.25 lb (900 g–1.0 kg) white sugar
  • Water (to make up to 1 UK gallon (4.5 L))
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Juice of 1 orange
  • Finely pared zest of 1 lemon
  • Finely pared zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tsp yeast nutrient
  • 1 Campden tablet (optional)

Wine yeast (half packet recommended)

  • Lalvin QA23 (highly recommended)
  • Lalvin 71B
  • EC-1118

Optional Ingredients

  • 75–100 g raisins (for extra body)
  • Small piece of fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp glycerine after fermentation
CountryWine

Equipment

  • The following equipment is recommended to make this 1 Gallon.
  • Sanitising fluid,
  • 2 gallon Fermenting bucket,
  • Demijohn,
  • Hydrometer,
  • Syphon tube,
  • Air lock,
  • Rubber bung,
  • Measuring cups,
  • Muslin bag,
  • Thermometer,
  • Extra long stirring spoon,
  • Kitchen scales,
  • Campden tablets
CountryWine

Preparation

  • Harvest the leaves on a dry morning once the dew has evaporated.
  • Shake gently to remove insects.
  • Rinse briefly in cool water if necessary.
  • Remove any coarse stalks or damaged leaves.
  • Fresh young leaves give the finest results.
Step by step

Method

  1. Pour the hot raspberry leaf infusion into a sanitised fermentation bucket.
  2. Dissolve the sugar into the hot infusion.
  3. Add the citrus juice and zest.
  4. Top up with cool water to reach 1 UK gallon (4.5 L).
  5. Allow the must to cool below 25°C (77°F).
  6. Add: Yeast nutrient Crushed Campden tablet (if using)
  7. Cover and leave for 24 hours if Campden was added.
  8. Add the yeast and stir thoroughly.
  9. Siphon carefully into a sterilised demijohn.
  10. Fit an airlock.
  11. Top up if required.
CountryWine

Fermentation notes

Primary Fermentation

Ferment for 5–7 days.

Stir gently once daily.

Maintain a fermentation temperature of 18–22°C.

The fermentation is clean and uncomplicated because only the herbal infusion is used.

Secondary Fermentation

Allow fermentation to continue for approximately 3–5 weeks.

Rack whenever sediment reaches around 1–2 cm.

CountryWine

Clearing & ageing notes

Once fermentation has finished

Leave to clear for 2 months

Rack again if necessary.

Bottle when brilliantly clear.

Raspberry leaf wine is best enjoyed while fresh.

Minimum aging: 4 months

Ideal aging: 6–12 months

Peak drinking: 1–2 years

CountryWine

Tips & notes

Tips for Better Raspberry Leaf Wine

  • Harvest young leaves before heavy fruiting.
  • Avoid old, leathery foliage.
  • QA23 yeast preserves delicate floral aromas exceptionally well.
  • Citrus helps brighten the wine's fresh herbal character.
  • Raisins improve body without masking the subtle flavour.
  • Bottle while the wine is youthful and vibrant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using mature leaves.
  • Harvesting leaves affected by mildew.
  • Boiling the leaves vigorously.
  • Picking from plants treated with pesticides.
  • Over-aging the wine.
CountryWine

Serving suggestions

  • Serve well chilled (8–10°C)
  • Excellent with grilled trout, chicken and seafood
  • Pairs beautifully with goat's cheese and young Wensleydale
  • Complements salads and light summer lunches
  • Wonderful as an aperitif on warm evenings
CountryWine

Storage & ageing

  • Best consumed within 2 years
  • Store in a cool, dark place
  • Best drinking window: 6–24 months
  • Intended to be enjoyed while the fresh aromas remain lively
CountryWine

FAQs

Does raspberry leaf wine taste like raspberries? No. The leaves produce a delicate floral and herbal character rather than the rich fruit flavour associated with raspberry wine.

Can I use dried raspberry leaves? Yes. Properly dried leaves retain much of their character and can be used successfully, although fresh leaves generally give a brighter, more aromatic wine.

Can I freeze the leaves? Yes. Freezing freshly picked leaves is an excellent way to preserve them until you're ready to brew.

Why don't I need additional tannin? Raspberry leaves contain enough natural tannin to give the wine gentle structure without making it harsh.

How long should I age raspberry leaf wine? It is best between 6 months and 2 years. Longer aging tends to diminish the delicate floral aromas that make this wine so distinctive