In 1638 the first purity law for Apfelwein was introduced in Frankfurt to regulate the ingrediencies that could be put in into the drink, the law is binding for breweries until this day. Brought into the Germanic region by the romans, the beverage was known in Frankfurt at lot earlier than the sixteen hundred but wasn’t seen as a tradition drink. Instead it was more being consumed by the common folk and lower classes, the upper class in Frankfurt preferred wine from grapes.
Apfelwein is made from a mixture of different sour apples and has an alcohol amount from around 5-7% abv. The wine is produced from mashed apples with yeast added to start the fermentation process. It will be then left in the barrel for around 3-4 month after it will be separated from the waste products and can then be stored for several years.
Apfelwein is usually served in a glass with an iconic lozenge cut that reflects light and improves grip (in German called Geripptes), this custom comes from a time were some meals were eaten without cutlery making fingers and hands greasy. Traditionally on Geripptes holds 0,30 litres which translates to around 10-oz. But nowadays some restaurants have servings form sizes from 0,25-0,50 litres.
It is also common that you can order a so called “Bembel”, a Jug made from salt-glazed stoneware, usually in grew with blue detail painting that can be ordered like a pitcher of beer.
Ebbelwei-Expreß
The Frankfurter Ebbelwei-Expreß (Apfelwein-Train) is a special tram-train line from the city of Frankfurt. As a tourist attraction the tram makes its way since 1977 through Frankfurt. The 6 wagons are painted in bright colours depicting motives from Frankfurt. The Line can be taken on the weekends and most Holydays between 13 pm and 7pm. Its route also take it though the „Ebblewineviertel“in Sachsenhausen, a district rich in bars and restaurants in Frankfurt. Next to Apfelwine, you can be served Apple juice, Water and mini-bezels on board Initially thought as a temporary attraction, the Ebbelwei-Expreß has now become a wide known tourist destination. The Wagons can be rent for larger groups, additionally you can book a travel guide in German or English, sometimes they also have other language guides available.
