What do you get if add fresh fruit to red wine?

Adding fresh fruit to red wine can result in a few things, depending on the fruit, the wine, and the desired outcome:

Potential Benefits:

* Enhanced Flavor: Some fruits, like berries, oranges, or cherries, can complement the tannins and acidity of red wine, adding sweetness, fruitiness, and complexity.

* Reduced Tannins: Fruits like apples and pears can help soften the tannins in red wine, making it smoother and more palatable.

* Refreshing Drink: The addition of fruit can create a refreshing and thirst-quenching drink, especially when combined with chilled red wine.

* Unique Cocktails: Combining red wine with fruit can form the basis for interesting cocktails and infused wines.

Potential Drawbacks:

* Unbalanced Flavor: Too much fruit can overwhelm the wine's original flavors, creating an unbalanced taste.

* Overly Sweet: Some fruits, like bananas or mangoes, can add excessive sweetness, altering the wine's natural dryness.

* Cloudy Appearance: Certain fruits, like peaches or plums, can release pectin that makes the wine cloudy.

* Oxidation: Fruit exposure can accelerate oxidation, affecting the wine's quality over time.

Tips for Success:

* Choose the Right Fruit: Select fruits that complement the wine's flavor profile. For example, raspberries or blackberries pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon, while oranges or apples work with Pinot Noir.

* Use Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit provides the best flavor and aroma.

* Control the Amount: Start with a small amount of fruit and adjust based on your preference.

* Chill the Wine: Chilling the wine before adding fruit enhances the refreshing quality.

* Infuse or Blend: Infuse the wine with the fruit for a few hours or blend the mixture for a quick drink.

Ultimately, experimenting with different fruits and wines allows you to discover your own unique flavor combinations.