The Grandval family of Manoir de Grandouet makes several Cidres, including an AOP Pays d’Auge. The Pays d’Auge is a sub-region of the Calvados region of Normandie in Northern France. Like wines, cidres can have rules applied to their production and geography so they can earn government status as a specific regional item and gain an “AOC” designation. AOC basically stands for Area of Controlled Origin. The AOC rules for Pays d’Auge list 50 varieties of regional apples that are considered appropriate for the style. Blends of these apples need to include 70% bitter and bittersweet varieties.
Appearance: Gold with a very light haze.
Aroma: Caramel, orchard floor, overripe apples, light woody notes, herbal, light funk.
Taste: Medium+ tannins, medium acidity, medium+ astringency.
Overall Impression: The bitter apples take center stage in Grandouet’s Pays d’Auge cidre with bold tannic structure that is well balanced with just enough acidity and fruitiness to create a very balanced cidre.
CO2 Levels: High sparkle.
Geography: AOC Pays d’Auge, Calvados, Normandie
Apples: Traditional Norman apples from the prescribed AOC list for Pays d’Auge
Availability: Nationally where Winesellers, LTD products are sold.
4.5% ABV
Disclosure: This cider was submitted to me for review by their importer: Winesellers, LTD.
