Mistelle (Mixed ) is grape juice fortified with Grape Spirit. There is no fermentation that takes place at all. It is very common in France and other Countries. In Australia it is common to be made from Riesling Pressings or any other variety that was not good enough to be sold as premium wine.

It was used as a sweetener to ports and Sherries in the early years when Custom had total control of all spirit in Australia. If Customs would not come to your winery at Midnight and unlock the tank of Alcohol when you needed it, to arrest the fermenting wine, then that fortified wine would ferment to dry. The way to sweeten it was to add Mistelle.

Ratafia is also given the name Mistelle in France. Ratafia is made from white grapes in Australia but is usually fermented the same as Port ot Sherry and grape or brandy spirit added. It was drunk to ratify something in the early European days. To ratify an agreement or treaty. The Ratafia was also not fermented in Europe.

This 1999 Mistelle is made from Riesling Pressings and has been in wood for 8 years. The juice has been fortified with a small amount of Whisky but Mostly Grape Spirit.

Alcohol content 16.8%
Winemaker: John Zilm