Elderberry Cultivars?

Halfway through the last bottle and I noticed it had mould floating in it
It seems the specks of fruit I didnt filter out went mouldy.
Next time: More acid and a better filter. I think 3 lemons per 1.25l bottle

 

I have some Elderberry Champagne sitting waiting to be tasted. I must make a start on it.Despite filtering it through 4 layers of butter muslin there is still quite a sediment on the bottoms of each bottle. Pollen I assume.

 

Sometimes you need to use finings to bind the fine sediment together and then filter again.
Egg white, gelatin and isinglass have all been used over the centuries. Google finings for more information.
Years ago not far from Bradford railway station was a development site overrun with elderberries; as I went past I saw a woman picking them, putting them in bags assisted by a number of children who were carrying the bags away in prams and pushchairs. I asked if she was going to make wine she said yes for her and her friends and neighbours at Christmas. I made some comment about the cost of sugar etc and was told she more than covered that and she went back to picking.

 

I have some finings in my cupboard but didn't think to use it.

 

Found this feral elderberry with pale fruit! Very strange. Ive since been told the raw fruit are fine in small doses so I tried them, they are sweet and have a nice elderflower flavour but little of that dark, blackcurranty flavour the normal black elderberries have.
Interesting!
Taken cuttings

 

Interesting @Adam I ! Is the foliage differently coloured too?

 

Its light green and longer than usual but otherwise looks normal

 

Could this be Sambucus gaudichaudiana, native of Eastern Australia ?

 

possible! dont know how it would get here though. I suspect it may be a mutant black elder but I cant see any varieties for sale like it. Maybe you are right!

 

Possibly has come the long way; they sucker I think !