Maintaining a consistent, high quality eau-de-vie year after year requires constant attention and craftsmanship. Centuries of knowledge, research and passion that has been passed down through the generations is a trademark of Mette. Each and every step of the process is monitored and validated by Timothée Traber.
It all starts with the choice of fruits, flowers and spices.
Contrary to common belief, spoiled fruits are not used in the distillery. Mette accepts only the best-quality fruits and holds to a high standard in produce. Timing is of utmost importance. Naturally sweet fruits ferment in for around 6 to 8 weeks. Other berries, flowers and spices are put to maceration in a neutral eau-de-vie made of wine.
Then, in the same way a wine grower will cautiously pick the date to harvest grapes, Timothée Traber carefully chooses when to make the eau-de-vie from the fruit. Using his expertise, he is able to determine the precise time to distill, based on their smell, taste, and appearance.
Distillation takes place in small, traditional stills made of copper—the same ones used by Jean-Paul Mette. Fermented fruits are distilled twice, while macerated ones are distilled once only, in order to guarantee a perfect balance. Between each distillation, the stills are carefully cleaned to ensure the purity of each batch of eau-de-vie. Although these methods are time-consuming, they are essential to maintaining high standards and dedication to product quality versus quantity.
Ageing makes the alcohol less aggressive, so that it tastes smooth and balanced. That is why each Mette eau-de-vie is aged for at least 6 years in stainless steel tanks. Stored outdoors, they endure the weather changes of the Alsace region. Those variations in temperature enhance the complexity of the eau-de-vie. Eau-de-vie Hors d’Age (Very Old) continues the ageing process in glass demijohns for a minimum of 25 years. When it comes time to bottle, the eau-de-vie that flows into the glass containers is the result of meticulous expertise and passion that guarantees a product worthy to bear the Mette label.
