🍷 Mistelle
A sweet drink of unfermented grape juice with added spirit.
Mistelle is a sweet drink made of unfermented grape juice with spirit. Spirit or grape distillate is added to fresh juice, which prevents fermentation. The sugar is left untouched, so the drink is sweet and strong.
Mistelles are made in various countries. In France they include Pineau des Charentes, Floc de Gascogne, Macvin from the Jura and Champagne ratafia. Similar drinks exist in Italy and Spain. They are drunk as an aperitif or with desserts, served chilled. Mistelles are also used as a base for vermouth.
Mistelle is counted among fortified wines, though in the strict sense it is not wine, since the juice has not fermented. Pineau des Charentes is the best-known example. The recipe is very simple, juice and spirit, but the result depends on the quality of the juice and spirit and on ageing. They are often aged in barrels from several months to several years, and then the flavour becomes deeper.
What it includes
Links
- Part of
- 🍷 Fortified wine
- Where it is made
- 🗺️ French wine, 🗺️ Spanish wine, 🗺️ Italian wine
- Similar and different
- 🍷 Pineau des Charentes, 🍷 Floc de Gascogne, 🍷 Macvin du Jura, 🍷 Ratafia de Champagne
Frequently asked questions
What is mistelle?
A sweet drink made from unfermented grape juice with spirit added.
What kinds of mistelle exist?
Pineau des Charentes, Floc de Gascogne, Macvin and Champagne ratafia in France, plus similar drinks in Italy and Spain.
Why is mistelle sweet?
The spirit stops fermentation, so all the sugar from the juice stays in the drink.
Similar
🍷 Rancio · 🍷 Fondillón · 🍷 Mutage · 🍷 Marsala · 🍷 Málaga · 🍷 Vin doux naturel
⚠️ Wine contains alcohol: adults only, drink in moderation. Wine usually contains sulphites; egg white or milk proteins are sometimes used for fining — important for allergies and for vegans.