This content was originally published by The Hop Review, a digital magazine that joined the Hop Culture family in March 2020.
This piece was written by Jack Muldowney.
NORTHERN FRANCE
As cooler temperatures roll in and fall kicks apple season into gear, we thought we’d take a look at a few ciders. These five all hail from France’s northern region commonly referred to as the Golden Triangle – for its ideal and distinct apple growing environment. They all offer a dry finish that will please any fan of bruts and likely even those fans of sour beers. Although, admittedly, some of these ciders have uniquely complex flavors up front – as well as some distinct aromatics – they all pair well with a variety of dishes and cheeses.
For many go-to beer drinkers, ciders are still somewhat of an unknown territory. But with more and more offerings hitting shops, restaurants and pubs around town, it’s helpful to discover your preference for those days you’re just itching for a break from the hop-forward pints. Or if you are looking to impress some friends at your next BYOB. So, find your match, and see which of these 750mL offerings fit the bill.
ORGANIC CIDRE
Le Brun Cidres
- Region: Brittany, France
- Style: Medium dry
- ABV: 4.0%
- Price: $10.00, 750 mL
This cider is slightly sweet up front, then finishes dry. On the nose, it hits you with some fruitiness as well as slight musty earthiness. Although juicy in body, it does have a distinctly sharp finish. Pair this cider with grilled fish, chicken or sharp cheeses.
CIDRE DE BRETAGNE BRUT
Le Brun Cidres
- Region: Brittany, France
- Style: Very dry
- ABV: 5.5%
- Price: $9.00, 750 mL
This cider has some depth and character. On the nose, it has aromas of sweet apples and a slight woodiness. This Brut has a slight tartness and a dryness that lingers. Pair this cider with grilled fish, creamy chicken or sharp cheeses.
CIDRE FERMIER BRUT ORGANIC
Domaine de la Minotière
- Region: Normandy, France
- Style: Dry
- ABV: 5.0%
- Price: $12.00, 750 mL
The Cidre Fermier Brut is an organic cider with a crisp, fresh apple bouquet up front. It has a mix of citrus peel and musty floral notes on the nose. This Brut can keep up to two years if kept in good storage conditions. Drink this cider as an aperitif or pair with pork, fish or soft cheeses.
CIDRE AOP PAYS D’AUGE
Manoir de Grandouet
- Region: Normandy, France
- Style: Medium dry
- ABV: 4.5%
- Price: $13.00, 750 mL
This cider has a very full mouthfeel, with slight bitterness. To the nose, it reveals vegetal and herbal notes. Pair this cider with poultry, beef or seafood over the course of the meal; or with soft specialty cheeses.
CIDRE FERMIER BRUT
Manoir de Grandouet
- Region: Normandy, France
- Style: Dry
- ABV: 5.0%
- Price: $11.00, 750 mL
This last cider is fairly complex. It combines flavors of pears and apples. On the nose, it has fairly rustic aromas of hay and smokiness. Pair this cider with poultry, beef or seafood over the course of the meal; or with soft specialty cheeses.
You can pick up any of these ciders at Bottles & Cans (4109 N. Lincoln Ave.) in Northcenter. They’re also available at various local bottle shops around Chicago. Find out more at winesellersltd.com.