🥃 Williams trentino
Clear distillate of Williams pears grown, processed and bottled in the autonomous province of Trento. Protected EU name, 40–50% ABV, sugar up to 20 g per litre.
Williams trentino, also called Williams del Trentino, is a protected EU name for a clear distillate of Williams pears from the autonomous province of Trento in northern Italy. The pears are grown and processed in the province, and the spirit is distilled and bottled there too. Its strength is 40 to 50% ABV, and its aroma is that of a fresh pear.
Strict parameters. Beyond the usual limits, such as methanol up to 1,200 g per hectolitre of pure alcohol, the technical description requires at least 10 g of esters typical of the Williams pear. Ethyl acetate and aldehydes must be below 200 g, volatile acids up to 50 g, and copper up to 5 mg per litre.
How it is made. The fermented mash may be distilled only in a batch still below 86% ABV, traditionally in an apparatus designed by Tulio Zadra, with a water bath and a separate column. Whole fruit may be added, along with up to 20 g of sugar per litre. The spirit is diluted only with certified drinking water of the province, which flows through porphyry and dolomite. Ageing in wood is possible under the supervision of the tax authorities.
History. Distillation in Trentino was regulated early: on 7 August 1697 the magistrate of Trento issued a proclamation against the smuggling of wine and spirits. In the valleys without vineyards, apples and pears were long used for cider, and after the Second World War fruit distillation flourished.
Why it matters to you. The name Williams trentino guarantees Trentino pears, distillation and bottling in the province, and a strength of 40–50% ABV. 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)4890232 |
| Raw material | Williams pears grown and processed in the province of Trento |
| Distillation method | batch pot still only, below 86% ABV; traditionally a Tulio Zadra apparatus |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | 40–50% ABV; methanol up to 1,200 g/hl, sugar up to 20 g/l |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Williams trentino → affects → 🍷 Alcohol and health ← affects ← 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Next step
- 🥃 Distillation
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Part of
- 🥃 Poire Williams (Williams pear spirit), 🥃 Fruit spirit
- Related to
- 📍 Trentino
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Kirsch Trentino, 🥃 Distillato di mele trentino, 🥃 Aprikot trentino, 🥃 Südtiroler Enzian, 🥃 Südtiroler Enzian, 🥃 Südtiroler Golden Delicious, 🥃 Südtiroler Golden Delicious, 🥃 Südtiroler Gravensteiner, 🥃 Südtiroler Gravensteiner, 🥃 Südtiroler Kirsch
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that Williams trentino can be distilled in a column still?
No. The technical description allows only a batch pot still; the traditional apparatus is the Tulio Zadra still with a water bath.
What is the strength of Williams trentino?
Between 40 and 50% ABV; the general EU limit for fruit spirits is 37.5% ABV.
Where are the pears for Williams trentino grown?
In the autonomous province of Trento, where they are grown and processed; the spirit is also distilled and bottled there.
Why does the water matter?
The strength is adjusted only with certified drinking water of the province of Trento; the water may be softened but not demineralised.
How does it differ from Williams friulano?
Williams friulano needs only Italian pears and distillation in Friuli, while Williams trentino requires Trentino pears and bottling in the province.
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.
- 🍷 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.
- 🥃 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.
Similar
🥃 Südtiroler Williams · 🥃 Williams friulano · 🥃 Valais pear brandy (Eau-de-vie de poire du Valais) · 🥃 Schwarzwälder Williamsbirne · 🥃 Südtiroler Golden Delicious · 🥃 Südtiroler Gravensteiner
⚠️ 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 'Williams trentino'/'Williams del Trentino', Ref. Ares(2015)4890232 (English): Williams pears grown and processed in the Autonomous Province of Trento, distilled and bottled there; methanol ≤ 1200 g/hl a.a.; 40–50 % vol.; decadienoate esters ≥ 10, ethyl acetate and aldehydes < 200, volatile acids ≤ 50, 2-butanol ≤ 100 g/hl a.a.; copper ≤ 5 mg/l; batch still < 86 % vol., 'Tullio Zadra' bain-marie method; certified Trentino drinking water; proclamation of 7 August 1697; applicant Autonomous Province of Trento
- eAmbrosia (EU GI register), technical file 'Williams trentino'/'Williams del Trentino', Ref. Ares(2015)4890232 (Italian original)
- Regulation (EC) No 110/2008, Annex III as at 31.01.2020 (legislation.gov.uk): Italy — Williams trentino/Williams del Trentino (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)