How do you make vinegar from red wine?

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Ingredients:

- 1 bottle (750ml) of good-quality red wine

- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)

- A clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions:

1. Add the apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar) to the jar. This serves as the starter culture and helps to kickstart the fermentation process.

2. Pour the red wine into the jar. Make sure to leave some headspace (at least an inch) at the top of the jar to allow for expansion during fermentation.

3. Stir gently to combine the vinegar and wine.

4. Cover the jar with a cheesecloth or a breathable cloth and secure it with a rubber band. This allows the air to circulate but keeps out any unwanted bacteria or insects.

5. Store the jar in a warm, dark place (around room temperature or slightly warmer) for 2-3 weeks. Depending on the temperature and the activity of your starter culture, it might take a bit longer or shorter.

6. Every few days, gently stir or shake the jar to distribute the bacteria and encourage fermentation.

7. After a few weeks, taste the vinegar. If you've reached your desired level of sourness, it's time to stop the fermentation. Strain the vinegar through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle.

8. Discard any remaining solids, then seal the container tightly. Your homemade red wine vinegar is now ready to use!

9. Store your red wine vinegar in a cool, dark place. It will continue to improve in flavor over time, but you can start using it right away.

Important Notes:

- Make sure to use good-quality, unsweetened, undiluted red wine for the best results.

- For a more mellow flavor, use a younger red wine. For a more robust, complex vinegar, use an older or bolder red wine.

- Patience is key! Fermentation takes time, so don't rush the process.

- If you notice any mold forming on the surface during fermentation, discard the batch and start over with a new batch.