Fruit wines
Cherry wine, blueberry wine, plum wine, quince wine and hypocras – fruity wines with character that are an essential part of medieval markets, military encampments and LARP events. All varieties are berry wines and are available in various bottle sizes – from the handy 0.2-litre elixir bottle to the 1-litre Euro bottle for home or the camp.
What is fruit wine – and how does it differ from normal wine?
The key difference lies in the fruit used: fruit wine is not made from grapes, but from the fermented juice of other fruits – cherries, blueberries, plums or quinces. The fermentation process is similar to that of classic grape wine, but the result tastes significantly fruitier and is often less tannic.
Historically, fruit wines and spiced wines had a firm place at the table in the Middle Ages – particularly in places where vines did not thrive and grape wine was expensive or difficult to obtain. Fruit from the regional harvest was fermented and preserved. Mead also fits into this tradition: honey wine as a sister category to fruit wines, likewise without grapes, and likewise with a long history. If you’re looking for fruit wines, you’ll find a further suitable addition in our mead category.
An overview of the varieties: cherry, blueberry, plum, quince and hypocras
Tart cherry wine
A dry, fruity character with a tart note. Pairs particularly well with game dishes and hearty meals – a wine with its own distinct profile, not a wine for beginners.
Blueberry wine
A full-bodied wine to accompany meals, with a deep blue colour and an aromatic profile rarely found in grape wines. Distinctive and unmistakable.
Plum wine
The sweetest variety in the range – smooth, full-bodied, and ideal for those new to the world of fruit wines.
Quince wine
Slightly semi-dry, fruity with a pleasant tartness. Less well-known than cherry wine, but well worth a try for the curious.
Hypocras / Spiced wine
A special variety: red wine flavoured with cinnamon, cloves and other spices. Can be enjoyed warm or cold, with a character all of its own.
Hypocras: the medieval spiced wine with a history
Hypocras – also spelled Hypokras or Hippocras – is a spiced wine with roots in medieval medicine and dining culture. The name derives from the Greek physician Hippocrates, to whom the healing properties of spiced wines were attributed in the Middle Ages. Whether that was true remains to be seen – in any case, Hypocras has endured as a drink for pleasure.
The typical combination of spices varies depending on the recipe, but classically includes cinnamon, cloves, pepper, ginger and galangal. In the Middle Ages, Hypocras was served both cold as a digestif after a meal and heated – making it an early precursor to today’s mulled wine. Today, it can be found at medieval and Christmas markets and works particularly well as a warming drink on cold evenings.
The range includes Hypocras as a spiced wine / Hypocras in an elixir bottle (0.2 l and 0.5 l) as well as in a 1-litre Euro bottle – fruity with cherries and berries, with notes of cinnamon and cloves.
Bottle sizes and packaging: Elixir bottle or Euro bottle?
| Format | Size | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Elixir bottle | 0.2 l | Taster, gift, market accompaniment – particularly decorative |
| Elixir bottle | 0.5 l | Personal indulgence, small gift for friends in the know |
| Euro bottle | 1 l | Economical for home or the camp, classic size |
The Elixir bottle’s shape makes it more visually striking and fits well into a medieval setting. Those wishing to take a bottle to a military camp or give one as a gift often opt for the 0.2- or 0.5-litre version. For home use, the 1-litre Euro bottle makes more sense.
Serving recommendations: cold, warm or hot?
Tart cherry wine and blueberry wine best reveal their fruity aroma when served cold or slightly chilled – much like a classic red wine, but with more fruitiness. Plum wine and quince wine can also be drunk cold, but gain in richness and body at room temperature.
Hypocras can be drunk cold, but only reveals its full spice profile when heated. To do this, slowly heat the wine to 60–70 °C – do not bring to the boil, otherwise the delicate spice aromas will be lost. A small saucepan over a low heat is perfectly sufficient.
Pairing suggestions: Dry cherry wine goes well with game and dark meat, quince wine harmonises well with cheese, and Hypocras is ideal as an aromatic finale to a medieval meal.
Frequently asked questions about fruit wines and Hypocras
No. Genuine fruit wine is produced by the fermentation of fruit must – yeasts convert the fruit sugar into alcohol. It is not a mixture of fruit juice and alcohol, but a distinct fermented product with its own flavour profile.
Plum wine is particularly well suited for beginners thanks to its sweet, full-bodied flavour. Those who prefer something a little drier can move on to tart cherry wine or quince wine.
Yes. Heat the spiced wine slowly over a low heat to around 60–70 °C – do not bring to the boil. Boiling causes the alcohol and delicate spice aromas to evaporate, which alters the flavour profile. A small saucepan on the lowest heat setting is ideal.
Store opened bottles in a cool place and drink them promptly – usually within a few days. The 0.2-litre elixir bottle is practical for this, as it is often finished in one evening and leaves no leftovers.
A great companion at the medieval market – and at home
Whether by the campfire, in the army camp or simply at the nearest medieval market: fruit wines and hypocras suit the atmosphere and are easy to pack. The elixir bottle looks right at home in a medieval setting and also makes a great little gift for friends in the scene.
Related categories for your medieval experience
Whether you want to buy cherry wine, are looking for a fruit wine for your next market visit, or are simply curious about Hypocras – browse through the range and choose the variety and bottle size that suits you best.