🥃 Südtiroler Kirsch
Clear distillate of cherries fermented and distilled in the province of Bolzano. Protected EU name, at least 40% ABV, hydrocyanic acid up to 5 g per hectolitre of pure alcohol.
Südtiroler Kirsch, in Italian Kirsch dell'Alto Adige, is a protected EU name for a clear distillate of cherries (Prunus avium), fermented and distilled in the autonomous province of Bolzano. The requirement concerns fermentation and distillation: the technical description does not restrict where the cherries grow. The spirit must be at least 40% ABV, with a fruity aroma and a light note of almond.
Variety and place on the label. The name may be supplemented with a cherry variety or a specific locality in South Tyrol, provided the fruit was grown in the province and at least 85% of it comes from that variety or locality. When both are stated, the locality is written before the variety.
How it is made. The stems are removed from the cherries completely, to take away sharp green notes, and the stones are partly removed too. This keeps a balance between the fruit and the bitter almond. The mash is fermented at a moderately low temperature, distilled below 86% ABV and diluted with local water. Hydrocyanic acid may not exceed 5 g, and ethyl acetate must stay below 300 g per hectolitre of pure alcohol.
History. Cherry distillation in the Vinschgau and Eisack valleys is mentioned already in Karl Mader's book of 1894. According to the technical description, local farmers made the kirsch softer than their neighbours', with a less pronounced almond note. Up to 20 g of sugar per litre may be added, and caramel is allowed only after 12 months of ageing.
Why it matters to you. The name Südtiroler Kirsch guarantees fermentation and distillation in South Tyrol, and the variety or locality on the label guarantees that 85% of the fruit came from there. It is a strong spirit. The WHO notes that there is no safe amount of alcohol.
Facts
| EU category | category 9, fruit spirit; protected Italian name |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Regulation (EU) 2019/787; technical description Ref. Ares(2015)4244601 |
| Raw material | cherries (Prunus avium), stems removed and stones partly removed; fermented in South Tyrol |
| Distillation method | pot or column still, below 86% ABV, with heads and tails removed |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | at least 40% ABV; hydrocyanic acid up to 5 g/hl, sugar up to 20 g/l |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Südtiroler Kirsch → affects → 🍷 Alcohol and health ← affects ← 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Made from
- 🥃 Cherry (sour and sweet)
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Part of
- 🥃 Kirsch (Kirschwasser), 🥃 Fruit spirit
- Related to
- 📍 South Tyrol
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Kirsch Trentino, 🥃 Kirsch Friulano, 🥃 Fränkisches Kirschwasser, 🥃 Südtiroler Enzian, 🥃 Südtiroler Enzian, 🥃 Südtiroler Golden Delicious, 🥃 Südtiroler Golden Delicious, 🥃 Südtiroler Gravensteiner, 🥃 Südtiroler Gravensteiner, 🥃 Südtiroler Marille
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that the cherries for Südtiroler Kirsch must grow in South Tyrol?
Not always. Fermentation and distillation must take place in the province of Bolzano; local fruit is required only when a variety or locality is named on the label.
What is the strength of Südtiroler Kirsch?
At least 40% ABV; the general EU limit for fruit spirits is 37.5% ABV.
Why are the stems and part of the stones removed?
Stems give sharp green notes and stones give bitter almond; partial removal keeps them in balance with the fruit.
What does a variety name on the label mean?
That at least 85% of the cherries are of that variety and that they were grown in South Tyrol.
How does it differ from Kirsch Trentino?
Kirsch Trentino requires fruit grown in the province of Trento and 40–50% ABV; Südtiroler Kirsch requires fermentation and distillation in the province of Bolzano.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🥃 Südtiroler Marille — Clear distillate of fermented apricots in the province of Bolzano, with a light note of bitter almond. Protected EU name, at least 40% ABV; sugar up to 20 g per litre.
- 🥃 Cherry (sour and sweet) — Stone fruits used for kirsch (cherry distillate), maraschino (liqueur from Marasca cherry), cherry liqueurs and palinkas; in the EU kirsch is at least 37.5% ABV.
- 🍷 Drunk driving — Never drive after drinking wine: alcohol slows your reactions.
- 🥃 Südtiroler Enzian — Clear distillate of fermented yellow gentian roots from the province of Bolzano. Protected EU name, at least 40% ABV, with at least 10 kg of dry roots per hectolitre of pure alcohol.
Similar
🥃 Kirsch de Fougerolles · 🥃 Kirsch Friulano · 🥃 Kirsch d'Alsace · 🥃 Kirsch Trentino · 🥃 Schwarzwälder Kirschwasser · 🥃 Fränkisches Kirschwasser
⚠️ 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
- eAmbrosia (EU GI register), technical file 'Südtiroler Kirsch'/'Kirsch dell'Alto Adige', Ref. Ares(2015)4244601 (English): cherries (Prunus avium) fermented in South Tyrol, distilled < 86 % vol. there; stems removed, partial pitting; methanol ≤ 1000, HCN ≤ 5, acetate < 300, aldehydes < 250 g/hl a.a.; min. 40 % vol.; sugar ≤ 20 g/l; variety or sub-area may be named if fruit grown in South Tyrol and ≥ 85 % of it; K. Mader, 1894
- eAmbrosia (EU GI register), technical file 'Südtiroler Kirsch'/'Kirsch dell'Alto Adige', Ref. Ares(2015)4244601 (Italian original)
- Regulation (EC) No 110/2008, Annex III as at 31.01.2020 (legislation.gov.uk): Italy — Südtiroler Kirsch/Kirsch dell'Alto Adige (9. Fruit spirit)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/787 on spirit drinks (OJ L 130, 17.5.2019), Annex I: category 9 — fruit spirit (only fruit, distilled < 86 % vol., min. 37.5 % vol., no added alcohol, not flavoured)
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)