Verjus 2010

Translated from French, verjus literally means ‘green juice.’ It’s neither vinegar nor wine, which makes it a hugely versatile ingredient.

What IS verjus, you might be wondering? When grapes are just beginning to ripen, the winemakers thin the vines which - this makes the them stronger and helps produce the best fruit. This early crop of unripe fruit is then pressed and cold-pasteurized. The result – verjus – is milder than lemon juice or vinegar and balanced with sweet, tart, minerally freshness. ''It seems strange and unfamiliar at first, but once you have a bottle on hand, you want to use it for everything,'' said Roman Roth, the winemaker at Wolffer. We agree - once you try it, you'll find you can't live without it.

Tip of the Tongue

So easy to make elegant and vibrant sauces with this. And it's of course ideal for salad dressings. It's also wonderful with seltzer or as the main ingredient in a Margarita. Or simply drink it straight as a substitute for wine. 

ingredients

Unfermented vinifera grapes picked at half ripeness. Comes in a 750 ml wine bottle.