🥃 Fränkisches Zwetschgenwasser

Fränkisches Zwetschgenwasser is a plum spirit from Franconia, in northern Bavaria, made only from local damson plums (Zwetschgen). The finished drink has at least 40% ABV, while the general EU limit is 37.5%. It is also called Fränkischer Zwetschgenbrand or Fränkische Zwetschge; the name has been protected in the EU since 1989.

Varieties and zone. The varieties are elongated blue-purple or yellow-fleshed plums: Hauszwetschge, Top Taste, Hanita, Haroma, Aprimira and Bühler Zwetschge. Franconia produces about three quarters of Bavaria’s plums: of roughly 600 hectares of commercial orchards in Bavaria, about 400 hectares are in Lower Franconia. The main areas are Kitzingen with Volkach on the Main loop, Forchheim and Würzburg.

History. When phylloxera destroyed many Franconian vineyards at the end of the 19th century, the freed land was planted with plums. Farmers sold the fruit to small distilleries along the Main. Parish records of Kleinlangheim from 1833 already mention plum distilling, and Franconian spirit competitions have been known since at least 1953.

Production. Fermentation usually lasts two to six weeks, and the fermented mash has 6 to 8% ABV. It is distilled to below 86% ABV, taking into account the 2010 EU recommendation on ethyl carbamate. The distillate ages in stone, stainless steel, ash or chestnut, or in oak that once held wine, bourbon or rum. An age over 12 months may be stated in months, and over 3 years with the word “alt”.

Why this matters to you. The name on the label guarantees plums from Franconia and a spirit without colourings or sugar. It is a strong spirit of at least 40% ABV. The WHO reminds us that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.