Also known as Bitzler, Rauscher or Sauser, Federweißer sends its autumnal greetings of the wine harvest from the vineyards. Incidentally, its name (roughly “feather white”) harks back to the yeast that dances like tiny feathers in the glass. It is also responsible for the slightly tingling sensation of the young wine. “When during fermentation the biologically active yeast converts the natural sugar in freshly pressed grape juice into alcohol this also creates carbon dioxide that slowly escapes,” explains Ernst Büscher from Deutsches Weininstitut (DWI, or German Wine Institute). Sometimes the young wine – extracted from red grapes – is also called Roter Rauscher.

Ideally, the new wine is drunk at the half-way point between grape juice and wine, when sweetness, alcohol and fruit acid are in a good balance. At this time it has an alcohol content of approximately five percent by volume. In the continued course of fermentation the initial seductive sweetness gradually gives way to the alcohol, giving the Federweißer an increasingly tart note. Incidentally, the new wine exhibits the first characteristics and fruit aromas of the new wine vintage.

Due to good demand Federweißer from German growing areas is also now available throughout the country in many supermarkets or in wine specialty shops. However, caution must be observed when purchasing: Because fermentation continues even in the bottle, it is sealed using a permeable lid which allows the gas to escape. Bottles must therefore be transported in an upright position.

Deutsches Weininstitut recommends first trying a bit of the Federweißer at home. If it’s perfect in terms of taste then away it goes into the fridge, because the cold will stop the fermentation process and thus prolong the pleasure. If it still tastes too sweet it should be stored at room temperature. After six to eight hours it can be tried again and refrigerated when the ideal degree of sweetness has been reached. It can then meet up with onion tarts, edible chestnuts or quiches in a delicious autumnal rendezvous.