🥃 Distillato di mele trentino

Distillato di mele trentino (or Distillato di mele del Trentino) is an EU protected designation for an apple fruit distillate made from apples grown and processed in the autonomous Province of Trento in northern Italy, where it is also distilled and bottled. The strength is 40 to 50% ABV; the drink is clear, with a fresh apple aroma.

Protected name. The name belongs to category 9 of Regulation (EU) 2019/787, fruit distillate; it was already listed in the register under Regulation (EC) No 110/2008. The technical file was submitted by the autonomous Province of Trento and is stricter than the general rules: volatile substances must be at least 200 g per hectolitre of pure alcohol, ethyl acetate and aldehydes less than 250 g/hl, and copper up to 5 mg/l.

Production. Fresh or properly stored apples are crushed, and the purée is fermented so as not to lose aroma, then distilled in batch pot stills below 86% ABV. A common local method is the Tullio Zadra apparatus with a water bath, a separate boiler and a column. Whole fruit may be added, and up to 20 g/l of sugar; the drink is diluted only with drinking water from Trentino.

History. According to the technical file, in the Trentino valleys, where grapes do not grow, cider was made from apples and pears instead of wine, and they were distilled as early as pomace was distilled for grappa. On 7 August 1697 the consular magistrate of Trento issued a proclamation against the smuggling of wine and spirits. After the Second World War, orchards and the Zadra method brought a flourishing of fruit distilling.

Why this matters to you. The name "Distillato di mele trentino" on a label means a distillate made only from Trentino apples, with no added spirit or flavoring. Aging in wooden barrels in the province is allowed but not required. It is a strong spirit at 40–50% ABV. The WHO reminds: there is no safe dose of alcohol.