Cherry Leaf Wine

Ingredients

• 2 quarts of fresh cherry leaves
• 2 pounds of sugar
• 1 gallon of water
• 2 teaspoons of yeast nutrient
• 1 teaspoon of acid blend
• 1 package of wine yeast
• 2 tablespoons of pectic enzyme

Directions

1. Rinse the leaves, then blot them dry. Transfer them to a large lidded jar.
2. Add the red wine and vodka to the jar. Stir in the sugar and peppercorns, put the lid on, and shake thoroughly so the sugar can dissolve. Leave it to steep for one week, giving the jar several good shakes once per day. After a day or so, the leaves will soften and settle down into the wine, so don’t fuss if they are not fully submerged at the beginning.
3. When the infusion is ready, set a funnel and mesh strainer, or cheesecloth, over a bottle and strain the liquid into it. Throw away the leaves. Refrigerate the cherry leaf wine until you are ready to drink it.