Frankfurt - A German marine biologist is raising eyebrows by developing wine made from seaweed.

Dr Inez Linke says the 16 percent proof wine, which consists of brown laminaria saccharina seaweed, has the same taste as fine sherry and is really healthy.

Dr Linke says: "Marine algae contains many minerals, salts, vitamins and proteins that makes this particular wine extremely healthy and boosts the immune system."

In order for the seaweed to mature, it is kept in water 8m deep for around six months, after which it is harvested by divers.

The wine, which Linke says sells in Germany for £15 (R167) a bottle, has started to win the support of connoisseurs and chefs, who like to use it in cocktails and haute cuisine.
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