European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - October 10, 1967, Darmstadt, Hesse Daily Magazine Vintage apples by Sid Whipple staff writer Ever hear of a Vintage year for Apple wine this is one. The mildly exhilarating season of Apfel Wein or As it is pronounced in some German dialects Hebbel Woi is upon us. Apfel Wein is the German version of american cider hard or Sweet. Its moment of glory comes at the same time that Rhinelander Are saluting the grape in communal wine festivals and the folks in Bavaria sing the praises of malt and hops in prodigious Beer busts. Scattered through Hesse but Center Ingin Frankfurt Are dozens of Little Tav erns specializing exclusively in Apfel Wein. Many of them have do it yourself cider Mills. Commercial producers turn out enough Apfel Wein to make the total about 5 million Gallons All of it consumed in Germany. Cider does t re Spond kindly to Export and the Cost of bottling and packaging it for transport is More than the contents would be Worth. Cider press owners this fall Are Jubi Lant for two reasons. First the hot sum Mer gave the populace an inordinate thirst and nearly every cellar and cider cask now stands empty. Second the hot weather produced Early ripened firm and flavoursome the busiest Apple presses in Germany Are those of the Sachsen Hausen and Bornheim districts of Frank ," a brochure issued by the City of Frankfurt states Apfel Wein maker understand their business. They Are Able to make 100 liners of wine out of300 pounds of apples and in a Good fruit year the inn keepers of Sachsen Hausen alone will pour out 250,000 Gal Lons of Apple wine for their in one of the larger fermenting work sin Frankfurt where More than a Hun dred workers operate the presses an vats More than 150 tons of the fruit Are processed every Day. Incidentally Only fresh fruit is thus treated. The apples must go into the Hopper within three Days after they Are picked. The alcoholic Content of most Applewite is not High. In its Sweet variety especially enjoyed by women and Chil Dren the connoisseurs say there is none at All. The heavier varieties Runas High As 5 per cent in alcoholic con tent and can provide a gentle glow i enough is imbibed. The popularity of an Apple wine ses Sion in a German tavern however rests upon the atmosphere of Friendship Good will and jollity that prevails while the Well rounded waitresses pour the Golden juice from their picturesque pot bellied Gray Blue Apap apples rarely trigger As much fun As when they Are a Lazy miss gets her share of apples the easy Way. \ tuesday october 10, 1967 the stars and stripes Page 11
