Valais Brandy AOP
Intensely fruity
Facts and figures
The quantity produced varies with the size of the harvest. From 2011 to 2016, 15,000 litres of Abricotine apricot brandy and 75,000 litres of Valais pear brandy were produced (in litres of alcohol at 100% by volume)
Facts and figures
At least 90% of the apricots used to make Abricotine AOP must be of the Luizet variety
Facts and figures
12 kg of pears or apricots are needed to make 1 litre of fruit brandy
Facts and figures
Abricotine acquired the AOP label in 2003, while Valais pear brandy gained the label in 2001
Facts and figures
Abricotine and Valais pear brandy have a minimum alcohol content of 40% by volume
Good to know
Season: all year
Colour: the two fruit brandies are colourless
Flavour: Abricotine has a strong taste of apricot with a hint of almond. Valais pear brandy has an intense flavour of Williams pears
Storage: in a dry place, away from the light. The brandies keep indefinitely
Event: “Switzerland distils”: open day at distilleries throughout Switzerland, held in November ever year
Abricotine apricot brandy
Cultivation of the fruit, storage, fermentation, distillation and bottling of Abricotine all take place exclusively within the canton of Valais. Abricotine AOP is made mainly with apricots of the Luizet variety; other varieties may be used up to a maximum proportion of 10%. Only the finest fruit are used: they must be perfectly ripe, healthy and clean. The stones must first be removed to avoid excessive bitterness. Once sorted, the apricots are pressed to give a homogenous pulp that will allow full fermentation of the sugars. Once fermentation is complete, distillation follows as soon as possible. The alcohol content is then reduced to a minimum of 40% by volume by adding spring water or demineralised water.
Valais pear brandy
Cultivation of the fruit, storage, fermentation, distillation and bottling of Valais pear brandy all take place exclusively within the canton of Valais. Only pears of the Williams variety are used for Valais AOP pear brandy. The fruit is picked as it ripens and stored for some time in boxes so that the flavours can develop fully. Before processing, the pears are sorted carefully; no blemishes, rot or mould are permitted. The selected pears are then crushed to make a homogenous pulp that will allow full fermentation of the sugars. Distillation takes place as soon as possible once fermentation is complete. The alcohol content is then reduced to 40% through the addition of spring water or demineralised water. An independent body ensures that specifications are met; the fruit brandies are tasted blind and analysed before receiving the AOP label.
History
According to historical records, Valais has a long tradition of distilling. In the Middle Ages, it was considered witchcraft; later, spirits were regarded as medicine – but alcohol has always been indispensable for rural communities. In the 19th Century, documents reveal the existence of itinerant distillers. However, the boom in distillation of Williams pears is linked to the growth of the Morand distillery in Martigny, founded in 1889: it was the company’s famous Williamine brand that brought Valais pear brandy international renown.
How to enjoy
Fruit brandies should be served at between 8 and 12 degrees.
These spirits are ideal to round off a fine meal, as dessert, sprinkled over a sorbet or in a cocktail or cake. Various dishes and delicacies offer a different way of enjoying their flavour: liqueurs, chocolates, confectionery, gateaux, mousses and more …
Recipes with Valais Brandy AOP
1 - 12 | 12 results
Apricot panna cotta
Raclette and filet mignon à l’Abricotine AOP
Apricot caipirinha
Loë perch tartare with Valais Williams pear brandy AOP mayonnaise
Frozen parfait à l’Abricotine du Valais AOP
Williamine® Mojito
Chruchtele
Rascholini
Williams pear with a goats’ cheese and chestnut filling and brandy dressing
Chräpflini
Apricot tiramisu
Williams pear jalousies with Valais Williams pear brandy AOP zabaglione
