Mette Eau de Vie de Framboise 0,5l 45%

The "Wild" Masterpiece – The Crown Jewel of Alsatian Distillation

In March 2026, the Metté Eau-de-Vie de Framboise Sauvage (Wild Raspberry) is widely regarded as the nec plus ultra of the distillery’s collection. While Metté produces a "classic" Framboise using cultivated Mecker raspberries, the Framboise Sauvage is a different league entirely—rarer, more aromatic, and significantly more labor-intensive.

Because wild raspberries are small and possess very little sugar, they cannot be fermented on their own. Instead, they are macerated in a neutral spirit before being distilled. Metté’s secret lies in the ratio: it takes approximately 8kg of wild fruit to produce just one liter of this precious spirit.

The Craft: Wild Harvest and Patient Aging

• The Sourcing: The wild raspberries are often sourced from forests where they grow in the shade, leading to a much higher aromatic concentration than sunny, cultivated fields.

• The Process: Following a long maceration in neutral grape spirit, the mixture is distilled once in small copper pot stills. The goal is to capture the "volatile" essence of the berry without any of the bitterness from the seeds.

• The Resting Period: Like the Cassis you explored, this spirit is aged for at least one to two years in stainless steel tanks kept in the distillery’s courtyard. The exposure to Alsatian temperature shifts naturally "rounds" the spirit, integrating the high alcohol with the delicate fruit oils.

🍷 Tasting Notes (The "Wild" Experience in 2026)

Current reviews from 2026 emphasize that the "Sauvage" expression is notably more floral and "green" than the standard version.

• The Nose: Explosive and Dense. It offers an immediate "magnificent density" of ripe wild raspberries. Beneath the fruit, you’ll find complex layers of raspberry leaves, white blossoms, and a hint of forest floor.

• The Palate: Vibrant and "Jammy" yet Bone-Dry. The entry is "discreet and fine," leading to an explosion of confit raspberry flavors. Unlike the Cassis, it has a distinct floral dimension—notes of fresh rose petals and rose stems—which provides a sophisticated "green" structure.

• The Finish: Infinite. It is famous for a "length that never seems to end," leaving a clean, persistent trail of wild berry skin and a touch of pink sea salt.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Best Enjoyed:

• The "Tea-Time" Luxury: Unlike many spirits, this Framboise Sauvage is an incredible pairing for tea-time cakes, fruit tarts, or even berry-based pastries.

• The "Digestif" Ritual: Serve neat at 13°C (slightly cool). Use a Lehmann tulip glass to concentrate the "explosive" berry aromatics while letting the alcohol breathe.

• The Culinary Secret: A few drops over a lemon sorbet or a bowl of fresh forest berries will transform a simple dessert into a gourmet experience.

Pro Tip: If you see a bottle labeled "Framboise" vs "Framboise Sauvage," remember that the Sauvage is the prestige version. In 2026, it is highly sought after by Michelin-starred pastry chefs for its ability to mimic the scent of a fresh-picked basket of berries better than any other spirit in the world.