Grape harvest has ended, and while I wait for the results (AKA... wine!), I am going to share how my family does "abafadinho", or muffled wine (don't know is there is an exact translation, this was the best I could find!)
So, first of all... what the heck is muffled wine (let's just call it "abafadinho" from now on)?? It's wine that had its fermentation stopped, due to adding firewater, or brandy; that way, it stays a sweet beverage, since the natural sugars present in the grapes don't transform into alcohol! And no, you can't drink it at will... remember we add firewater, it will have higher alcoholic content than normal wine! ;)
Here we go then... how do we make it??
1. Grape Harvest
Do not skip this part - VERY IMPORTANT! :) Nah, kidding... you can just buy grapes, but if you have your own, it's way more fun! Sure, it does require some work...
... but you can invite some friends, enjoy some fresh air... and you get to share the fruits of your work in a few months! It will taste even better!
2. Squash the grapes
You have two ways to do this... either do it traditional style, i.e., everyone inside a large container squashing grapes with your feet; or use a machine that will do the squashing for you.
Yes, we used a machine; true, traditional way is waaaaaay more fun! But it is faster this way... and we are lazy! :P
3. Collect and filter the must
After the squashing is done, collect the must (its the name given to the freshly crushed grape juice).
4. Now, the secret recipe!
So, the secret part! What proportions do we actually use? Here it goes:
- 3 liters of must
- 1 liter of firewater
- 750g -1000g of cane sugar (depending on which one of my family members is pouring it! :)
The amount you do is irrelevant, as long as you stick to the proportions!
5. Mix well... and seal it!
After all the mixing is done...
... we seal the recipient, allow magic to take its place...
... aaannddd voil谩!!! This is it! In more or less 3 months, we will open it and taste the "abafadinho", hopefully after (or before) a big family dinner!
How good this year's recipe is? I'll tell you in 3 months! ;) Feel free to leave a comment if you have any doubts about the process!