G.E. Massenez Poire Prisonnière is a Williams pear eau-de-vie from Alsace, France, presented with a whole pear inside the bottle and bottled at 40% ABV.
The name means the imprisoned pear, after the painstaking process in which a Williams pear is grown inside the bottle while still on the tree: glass bottles are fixed to the branches early in the season so the fruit can mature naturally inside. Ripe Williams pears are then crushed and fermented to preserve their character, and the brandy is distilled slowly in traditional copper pot stills and bottled clear and unaged.
Clear and brilliant, it is supple and fluid. The nose is clean and typical of Williams pear, very fruity, long lasting and inviting. On the palate the rounded grain of the pear is very noticeable, with an intense floral freshness, fresh fruit overlaid by ripe fruit and marmalade, and a prominent spicy endnote with a hint of liquorice typical of Williams pear.
A celebrated objet d'art of French fruit distillation, it is a spectacular gift.
Serve it chilled in a small tulip glass after dinner.
Eau-de-vie is a clear fruit brandy distilled from fermented fruit and bottled without barrel ageing, so the pure character of the fruit comes through.
Alsace, in north-eastern France, has a long tradition of fruit eaux-de-vie.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Clean, intense Williams pear, very fruity.
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Palate: Rounded pear, floral freshness, ripe fruit and marmalade.
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Finish: Spicy, with a hint of liquorice.
Specifications
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Producer: G.E. Massenez
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Style: Poire Williams Eau-de-Vie, pear in bottle
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Fruit: Williams pears
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Process: Fermented and slowly distilled in copper pot stills, unaged
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Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV)
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Region: Alsace, France
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve it lightly chilled in a small tulip glass as a digestif. It pairs with pear tart, soft cheeses or dark chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the pear get in the bottle?
It grows inside the bottle while still on the tree.
Is it aged?
No, it is bottled clear and unaged.
Where is it made?
In Alsace, France.
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