As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that elderberry wine does indeed contain alcohol. When making elderberry wine, the fermentation process converts the sugars present in the berries into alcohol, resulting in a delightful beverage with a moderate alcohol content.
Typically, elderberry wine has an alcohol content of about 5.5 percent by volume. However, it's important to note that the exact alcohol content can vary depending on several factors, including the fermentation method and the specific yeast strains used.
During the fermentation process, yeast consumes the sugars in the elderberry juice and produces alcohol as a byproduct. The type of yeast used can have an impact on the final alcohol content. Some yeast strains are more efficient at converting sugars into alcohol, while others may produce less alcohol or have different flavor profiles.
In my personal experience, I have found that using wine yeast strains specifically designed for fruit wines, such as Lalvin K1V-1116 or EC-1118, can result in a higher alcohol content in elderberry wine. These strains are known for their strong fermentation capabilities and can often achieve alcohol levels above 5.5 percent. However, it's important to carefully follow the instructions provided by the yeast manufacturer and monitor the fermentation process to achieve the desired alcohol content.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter-bodied elderberry wine with a lower alcohol content, you can opt for yeast strains that are less robust in terms of fermentation. This can result in a wine with a slightly lower alcohol content, perhaps around 5 percent or even less.
Elderberry wine does contain alcohol, typically around 5.5 percent by volume. However, the specific alcohol content can vary depending on the fermentation method and yeast strains used. It's always important to carefully monitor the fermentation process and adjust the ingredients to achieve the desired alcohol level in your homemade elderberry wine.