agave culture

The Cultural Significance of Agave Wine used to make our Love from Jalisco Margaritas is historic and impactful.

In pre-Hispanic times, Agave Wine wasn’t just a drink, but a significant cultural element. Used in religious ceremonies and festivities, it was considered a divine beverage, indeed a gift from the gods.

The ancient Aztecs had a goddess of agave and fertility, Mayahuel, and a god of pulque, or agave wine, named Patecatl. The process of making it was ritualized, with strict rules and ceremonies surrounding its production and consumption.

Today, it continues to hold a cherished place in Mexican culture. While its production is less widespread than in previous centuries due to the rise of tequila and mezcal, Agave Wine is experiencing a resurgence among those seeking to reconnect with their cultural heritage and those attracted by its unique characteristics.

The time-honored process of making authentic Agave Wine

The process of transforming the Agave plant into wine is an art steeped in tradition. Once the sap, or aguamiel, has been extracted from the agave’s piña, it undergoes natural fermentation.

The fermentation begins in open vats, often made of animal hide or wood, the aguamiel ferments with the help of wild yeasts present in the environment. Over a period of several days to a week, the sweet aguamiel transforms into a mildly alcoholic beverage known as Agave wine. This fermentation process is a delicate balancing act, requiring the precise monitoring of temperature and fermentation progress to ensure the resultant wine embodies the ideal characteristics.

The result is a beverage that echoes its environment, a living representation of the terroir of its origins. This concept, familiar to wine lovers, is equally applicable to Agave wine. The qualities of the soil, climate, and native yeast all profoundly influence the final product’s flavor profile.

Fun Facts about the Agave plant

Agave is native to arid regions of the Americas,
predominantly in Mexico and the SW United States.
Agave is a fascinating succulent plant, not a cactus plant,
is drought-resistant and can store water.
Agave can take up to 10 years to reach maturity before ready for harvest, its flowers only bloom once in its lifetime and Agave leaves have sharp spines for natural defense.
Agave nectar is a popular natural sweetener, this derived sweet syrup is a healthier alternative to refined sugars and is commonly used in various culinary applications.
Agave is a key ingredient in traditional Mexican cuisine, from delicious salsas and marinades to mouthwatering desserts, Agave adds a unique flavor and texture to many traditional Mexican dishes and amazingly has been used for centuries to make tequila!

Health benefits of Agave Wine

In addition to its intriguing history and unique flavor, Agave wine also boasts potential health benefits. Rich in probiotics, it can contribute to a healthy gut. A compound in the Agave plant, called agavin, is mostly thought to be responsible for these health benefits. Agave wine its relatively low in alcohol content making it a lighter alternative to spirits. As such, it is not only a drink but may be part of a healthy lifestyle, a testament to the robust ancient civilizations that first cultivated the Agave plant.

What is the difference between Agave Wine & Tequila?

The Making of Agave Wine

To produce Agave wine, the sap, known as aguamiel, is extracted from the core of the agave plant. This sap is then fermented into a mildly alcoholic beverage. The wine showcases a sweet, slightly sour flavor that captivates with its earthy undertones. Lower in alcohol content than spirits, it offers a more accessible way to enjoy the unique character of the agave plant.

The Process of Making Tequila

In contrast, tequila production involves the harvesting and cooking of the entire Agave plant. The sugars are then extracted, fermented, and distilled, resulting in a spirit with a much higher alcohol content than Agave wine. The taste of tequila is more robust and less sweet, with distinct smoky and spicy notes.

The origins of our brand are deeply rooted in the rich heritage and celebrated traditions of Jalisco, Mexico

Love from Jalisco Margaritas come in three great tasting flavors made from award winning 100% Blue Weber Agave Wine, natural flavors with 5% fruit juice and real sugar. 12.1% ALC/VOL