Apple Cider Brands

Apple cider has a strong tradition in Italy and in many other countries such as England, Ireland, France and Spain. Discover the best brands!

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An in-depth look at the best Italian and international apple cider labels.

Apple cider is undoubtedly an excellent drink that has been used by men since time immemorial.

Particularly appreciated in Northern European countries, it is also very popular in Italy, although its diffusion is not widespread.

Below, for orientation purposes, we will see some of the most prestigious brands in the production of high-quality cider.

The Tradition of Apple Cider in Italy

In Italy, cider has traditionally played a minor role compared to other alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer. However, in recent years, several regions have rediscovered and valorized this drink, creating high-quality labels that deserve attention. The most renowned Italian regions for cider production include Trentino-Alto Adige, Valle d’Aosta and Piedmont.

Mountain Cider of Trentino-Alto Adige

Trentino-Alto Adige is a region known for its high-quality apple orchards. Producers in this area use local apple varieties to create ciders with a complex and aromatic flavor. Among the most popular labels we find:

MelaMia: A cider that stands out for its freshness and balance between sweetness and acidity. Produced with apples from Val di Non, it is perfect for those looking for a light and thirst-quenching cider.
Sider of Renetta Apple: Made with the famous Renetta apple from Trentino, this cider has a rich and slightly tannic flavor, ideal for accompanying cheese and cured meat dishes.

Cider from the Aosta Valley

The Aosta Valley boasts a long tradition in the cultivation of apples, in particular the native variety “Renetta Ananas”. The ciders produced in this region are known for their unique character and strong territorial identity.

AostanCider: A dry and structured cider, which best expresses the characteristics of the Renetta Ananas apple. It is perfect for lovers of strong flavors.

Cider from the Aosta Valley: This cider is characterized by a light effervescence and a fruity flavor, with notes of citrus and spices. Excellent as an aperitif or paired with fish dishes.

Best International Apple Cider Labels

In addition to the Italian excellences, the international apple cider scene offers a wide range of high-quality labels. Countries such as France, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States are known for their centuries-old traditions in the production of cider.

France: Cider from Normandy and Brittany

France is one of the world’s leading producers of cider, with Normandy and Brittany leading the way. French ciders are prized for their elegance and complexity.

Cidre Bouché Brut de Normandie: A dry and sophisticated cider, with a complex bouquet of ripe apples, flowers and spices. Perfect to accompany white meat dishes and cheeses.

Cidre de Bretagne Doux: This sweet cider is characterized by a smooth and fruity flavor, with notes of caramel and honey. Ideal to enjoy alone or with desserts.

Spain: Asturian Cider

Spain, especially the region of Asturias, is famous for its natural cider. Asturian ciders are known for their unique taste, resulting from a spontaneous fermentation process.

Sidra Natural El Gaitero: A traditional cider from Asturias, with a fresh and slightly acidic flavor. Great to serve with fish and seafood dishes.

Sidra Trabanco: A robust and full-bodied cider, with an aromatic complexity that includes notes of green apple, citrus and spice. Perfect for those who like intense flavours.

United Kingdom: Somerset and Herefordshire Cider

The United Kingdom has a long history of cider production, with Somerset and Herefordshire being among the most renowned regions. British ciders are often dry and structured.

Thatchers Gold: A classic Somerset cider, with a balanced flavour and a light effervescence. Excellent with meat and cheese dishes.

Westons Vintage: A Herefordshire cider, made with traditional apples and aged in oak barrels. It has a rich and complex flavour, with notes of vanilla and spice. Ideal for tasting moments.

United States: Craft Cider

In the United States, cider production has really boomed in recent years, with many small artisan producers experimenting with local apple varieties and innovative techniques.

Angry Orchard Crisp Apple: One of the most popular ciders in the USA, with a fresh and fruity flavor, balanced by a light acidity. Perfect for an informal aperitif.

Seattle Cider Dry: A dry artisanal cider, produced with apples grown in the state of Washington. It has a clean and crisp flavor, with notes of green apple and citrus. Excellent to taste alone or paired with light dishes.

Magners Irish Apple Cider

Magners is undoubtedly one of the reference brands especially for beginners: the costs are low and you can taste a classic cider that could not be more classic.

The mix of apples is absolutely exceptional: the cooking ones add acidity, the dessert ones give the aroma while those called “cider apples” give the cider its characteristic aroma.

Cidrerie Viard Cider Brut Bayeux

This is a brut cider, of French production, which has achieved absolutely incredible sales numbers. Cidrerie Viard is a historic brand that has been producing this alcoholic beverage since 1923.

The flavor is rather fruity for a brut and is at its best when served cold. Excellent with cheeses and savory crepes, but also as an aperitif.

Melchiori di Maria Lucia & C.

In this case we are looking at an Extra Dry cider, therefore very dry that does not offer that characteristic sweetish note that is usually expected from a cider.

The Melchiori company, which operates in Trentino, has become an absolute point of reference for the production of high-quality apple cider.

The method used for sparkling wine production is the Charmant method, that is, with the addition of yeasts and sugars directly inside the autoclave.

The drink becomes sparkling without the addition of carbon dioxide, and the result is a rounder and more harmonious bubble that can be perceived by the refined palate.

Domaine des Hauts Vents

Domaine des Hauts Cider Demi-sec del contadino is a very important brand in the French cider market.

In particular, this bottle represents an example of “demi-sec” cider, that is, a compromise between raw and soft cider. Very mild in terms of alcohol, 4%, light, fruity.

It could be very pleasant to serve this French-produced cider at a temperature of about 5 degrees. Prices are not popular.

Aspall

Very low costs instead for this Aspall product, which is an English brand that has been awarded several times in various international competitions for cider producers. “Worlds Best Cider” and “Worlds Best Dry Cider” are awards that the company has received and that have made this brand so important in the cider market famous.

The secret of this bottle is represented by the mix of apples that leads to the development of a unique flavor: cooking and dessert apples.

The result is a bittersweet taste that will drive you crazy. Suitable for all occasions, especially to accompany rich and fatty dishes, but also sweets and delicacies.

Aspall Premium Cru Dry Suffolk Cider proves to be a high quality cider that offers an economical price thanks to a bottle that is not particularly cared for.

Best International Cider Brands

FRANCE

Domaine Lesuffleur Kermao La Chouette Val de Rance Cidrerie NICOL Domaine de Kervéguen Le Père Jules Manoir du Kinkiz Eric Bordelet Cidre Le Brun Domaine des Hauts Vents Cellier de la Ville Loyo Cidre de Rhuys Nicol Pays de Brocéliande Cidrerie Benoit Cidrerie Château é Cidrerie de Tromelin Cidrerie des Terroirs Cidrerie du Leguer Cidrerie Huby La Vallée du Mel Cidrerie Kerloïck Cidrerie Kerné Cidrerie Le Clos de la Ruaudaie Cidrerie Le P’tit Fausset Cidrerie Loïc Raison – CSR SA Cidrerie Melenig Cidrerie Paul Coic