Normandy Cider: The French Apple Wine

Normandy cider is one of the most famous types of apple cider. This region of northern France began producing this alcoholic beverage in medieval times. However, another French region equally famous for cider production is Brittany. In this article, we will discuss these two different types of cider: Breton cider and Norman cider.

How Normandy Cider is Made

Normandy cider is made from apples harvested between September and December, carefully selected. After crushing and pressing the whole fruit, the must (juice) is extracted.

The must is then placed in oak barrels to start the fermentation process. Once bottled, the cider is left to rest in a cellar for a few months, with the duration varying based on the flavor the producer wants to impart to the product.

Characteristics of Normandy Apple Cider

Apple cider is generally a light alcoholic beverage, although the alcohol content can be higher depending on the producer’s preference.

Typically, Normandy cider has an alcohol content ranging from 2% to 8%. This is one of the primary differences between various ciders. Each type is unique due to the production method, fermentation duration, and raw materials used.

Main Types of Normandy Cider

• Sparkling Cider: A fizzy cider with various subtypes influenced by the level of effervescence.
• Sweet Cider: Has a sweet taste due to the high sugar content, which is maintained by stopping the alcoholic fermentation early. The alcohol content is almost always below 3%.
• Semi-Dry Cider: Has a slower fermentation than sweet cider, but is still quite sugary. The aromas are more numerous than those typical of apples.
• Dry Cider: Has lower sugar content and significantly higher alcohol levels, ranging from 4.5% to 7%. The sugars balance the acidity.
• Sparkling Cider: Can have an alcohol content from 4% to 8%. It can be made using either the traditional method or the Charmat method.
• Still Cider: Does not have bubbles. It is completely dry, and the alcohol content can reach up to 9%. It can be more or less sweet.
• Natural Cider: This type of cider is actually produced in Spain, in the region of Asturias. It can have little to no effervescence and an alcohol content of 6%.

Major Cider Producers in Normandy (France)

The major cider producers in Normandy can be found along the “Cider Route.”

This is a 40 km route passing through several villages famous for cider production, with about 20 producers along the way. Some of the most famous in Cambremer include:

• Calvados Pierre Huet
• Caves du Manoir de Grandouet
• Cave d’Alain Sauvage – Cru de Cambremer In Beuvron-en-Auge, the most famous cider producers are:
• Le Pavé d’Auge
• Café Forges
• Calvados Dupont

Buying Normandy Cider

If you want to enjoy one of the best French ciders from Normandy, you can conveniently order it from Amazon, taking advantage of free shipping, and receive it at your home in a few days.