Definition: Mistelle

A product obtained by adding alcohol to grape must before or at the very beginning of fermentation. This addition of alcohol, called mutage, inhibits the development of yeasts and therefore prevents fermentation. A mistelle is therefore a sweet (the sugar comes from the grapes) and alcoholic (the alcohol from the mutage) product. Some examples of mistelles: Pineau des Charentes is obtained by adding Cognac, Floc de Gascogne by adding Armagnac. There are some without AOC, for example Carthagène (Languedoc) and Ratafia (Champagne). Syn.: liqueur wine. Mistelles are also used as a base for aperitifs.