🥃 Mirabelle de Lorraine
Mirabelle de Lorraine is a clear fruit spirit made from mirabelle plums grown in Lorraine: EU protected name and French AOC since 2015, at least 45% ABV, aged at least 6 months.
Mirabelle de Lorraine is a clear fruit spirit made from mirabelle plums grown in Lorraine, north-eastern France. It is a protected EU name in the fruit spirit category and, under a 2015 decree, a French AOC. Products sold have at least 45% ABV.
Raw material. Only two varieties are allowed: mirabelle de Nancy and mirabelle de Metz. Orchards may have up to 400 trees per hectare, may not be irrigated, and may yield up to 20 t/ha. Fruit is picked ripe, whole and without rot, with sugar content from 17 °Brix; stones are not removed or added.
Distillation. The plums are fermented without added sugar, and distillation may start no earlier than five weeks later; the season ends on 30 April. Distillation is double, with repeated runs, in copper stills of up to 30 hl, and the spirit comes off at up to 73% ABV. It then rests for at least six months in vats, demijohns or barrels. Colourings and sweeteners are prohibited.
History. The specification links the arrival of the mirabelle near Metz to King René in the 15th century. In the late 19th century the orchards spread: the mirabelle survived the frosts of 1879–1880 and replaced vineyards destroyed by phylloxera, and in 1881 the Toul–Mirecourt railway, the 'mirabelle train', carried the fruit to Paris. The AOC area covers 1,275 communes.
Why this matters to you. The name 'Mirabelle de Lorraine' guarantees Lorraine fruit, copper stills, at least six months of rest and 45% ABV. A light amber tint can only come from the barrel; colouring is not allowed. This is a strong spirit, usually taken in small portions. WHO reminds that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
Facts
| EU category | 9 — fruit spirit; EU protected name and French AOC |
|---|---|
| Alcohol (% vol.) | at least 45% ABV |
| Raw material | whole mirabelle plums of the Nancy and Metz varieties, from 17 °Brix |
| Distillation method | double, with repeated runs; copper stills up to 30 hl; up to 73% ABV |
| Minimum maturation | at least 6 months |
| Legal basis | Decree No 2015-41 of 20.01.2015 (AOC); Reg. (EU) 2019/787, cat. 9 |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Mirabelle de Lorraine → then → 🍷 Alcoholic fermentation ← goes through ← 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Next step
- 🍷 Alcoholic fermentation
- Packed in
- 🍷 Wine label
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Traditions
- 🧑🤝🧑 French
- Part of
- 🥃 Mirabelle (mirabelle plum spirit), 🥃 Fruit spirit
- Related to
- 📍 Lorraine
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Charentais alembic, 🥃 Kirsch d'Alsace, 🥃 Slivovitz (šljivovica), 🥃 Mirabelle d'Alsace, 🥃 Mirabelle d'Alsace, 🥃 Schwarzwälder Mirabellenwasser
Frequently asked questions
How is Mirabelle de Lorraine different from ordinary mirabelle?
By origin and stricter rules: only Lorraine fruit of the Nancy and Metz varieties, double distillation in copper stills, at least 45% ABV instead of 37.5%, and at least six months of rest.
Is Mirabelle de Lorraine coloured?
No. Colourings and sweeteners are banned; a light amber tint may appear only during ageing.
What is the ABV of Mirabelle de Lorraine?
At least 45% ABV on sale.
Where is Mirabelle de Lorraine made?
In 1,275 communes of four departments of Lorraine: Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, Meuse and Vosges. The fruit is picked, fermented, distilled and aged there.
How long is it aged?
At least six months from distillation, in vats, demijohns or barrels at the producer.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🍷 Alcoholic fermentation — Yeast eats the sugar in the must and releases alcohol and carbon dioxide.
- 🍷 Wine label — The sticker on a bottle: who made it, where from, the year and strength.
- 🧑🤝🧑 French — The French are the main population of France, known for the festive meal and baguette on UNESCO's list, for wine and for cheese.
- 🥃 Slivovitz (šljivovica) — Fruit spirit distilled from fermented plums: in the EU from 37.5% vol., methanol up to 1200 g/hl; Serbian šljivovica on UNESCO's list since 2022.
Similar
🥃 Mirabelle d'Alsace · 🥃 Schwarzwälder Mirabellenwasser · 🥃 Quetsch d'Alsace · 🥃 Framboise d'Alsace · 🥃 Maine cider brandy (Eau-de-vie de cidre du Maine) · 🥃 Breton cider brandy (Eau-de-vie de cidre de Bretagne)
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Cahier des charges de l'AOC « Mirabelle de Lorraine », homologated by Décret n° 2015-41 of 20.01.2015 (BO Agri 29.01.2015): min. 45 % vol.; volatile substances min. 300 g/hl a.p.; varieties mirabelle de Nancy and de Metz; max. 400 trees/ha, irrigation banned; whole fruit min. 17° Brix; distillation not before 5 weeks, ends 30 April; double distillation à repasse in copper stills up to 30 hl, max. 73 % vol.; maturation min. 6 months; no colouring or sweetening; history: King René (15th c.), 'train des mirabelles' Toul–Mirecourt 1881
- INAO: Mirabelle de Lorraine (AOC, eaux-de-vie de fruits) — white eau-de-vie from mirabelles grown in Lorraine; 1275 communes in Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Moselle and Vosges; AOC by Décret n° 2015-41
- Regulation (EC) No 110/2008, Annex III as at 31.01.2020 (legislation.gov.uk): 9. Fruit spirit — Mirabelle de Lorraine, Mirabelle d'Alsace (France)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/787 on spirit drinks, Annex I: cat. 9 fruit spirit (min. 37.5 %, legal name 'mirabelle')
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)