Does anyone know how the ancients spiced wine?

Question

I am learning about Retsina- a greek wine with a pine flavor. I've learned it comes close in flavor to how wine would have tasted thousands of years ago. I've also read that the people of that time would have used honey and spices and even seawater to alter the taste. Does anyone know how I can find out how this flavoring was done? (I seem to have exhausted all the internet information) I'm wanting to have as close to authentic flavor as possible.

Answer 1

There are different ways to add flavors to wine. The flavors ban be added early in the process (such as spices added in with juice, etc), part-way through the process (such as after the wine is fermented but before it is bottled), or post-production when it is about to be served (the contemporary practice of serving spiced or mulled wine over the holidays).

If you are interested in wine-making and trying out ancient recipes, you could try to make your own wine. There are lots of books out there, and you could use ingredients that were common in certain places in ancient times. It sounds like a fun hobby, and one that you could share with others!

Hope this helps!

Check out the following wine making web site for other resources: http://winemaking.jackkeller.net/

Answer 2

Probably there were local tastes, aquired. They watered the wine in general because it was a safer drink than the water.

Barbaric! ... unless you consider the alternative.

Answer 3

Grapes were allowed to ferment and raisins were added along with honey (Mead)