The Domfront PDO is a fermented sparkling drink obtained from specific varieties for the production of pear cider. The main variety is Plant de Blanc.
Production Method
The planting density of the trees is less than 150 pear trees per hectare. The orchards are maintained and kept as grass-lands, where irrigation is prohibited. The ripe pears are picked several times from the ground, variety by variety. The collection and deposit in the store is carried out by hand or in any case respecting the fruit's integrity and cleanliness. No more than 72 hours can pass between the storage time of the pears and the processing of the drink. The Plant de Blanc variety is stored separately from additional varieties. Pears are grated and the pulp obtained is left to ferment before being pressed. The fermentation of must lasts for at least six weeks between the date of pressing and bottling. The formation of froth, which requires a minimum of six weeks, takes place due to fermentation in the bottle with no massification.
Appearance and Flavour
Domfront PDO is a clear pale yellow or golden yellow drink characterized by the fineness of the perlage. The drink has a very aromatic diversity, which is dominated by fruity and floral notes that develop hints of exotic fruits, toasted aromas and brioche. The balanced acidic and sweet flavour is conferred by the unfermented sugars.
Production Area
The Domfront PDO production area covers 42 municipal areas of the departments of Orne, Manche and Mayenne in the Lower-Normandy and Pays-de-la-Loire regions.
History
Up until the end of the 19th century the pear orchards of the Domfront area were used to produce a beverage which is primarily intended for personal consumption. In the course of the 20th century, the distillation of poiré was developed for the production of brandy, and the farmers of this area, unlike the western regions of France, maintained and developed the custom of processing poiré instead of cider. It is this tradition that has enabled the product to acquire its own reputation at a regional level. The Domfront PDO takes its name from the historical capital of the region, Bas Domfrontais, which is the only French region that continues to grown significant quantities of pear orchards for the production of poiré.
Gastronomy
Domfront PDO must be stored in cool places, such as wine cellars and is consumed fresh or cold at a temperature which can vary from 7°C to 10°C. It is generally drank very cold as an aperitif but goes very well with any kind of light fish, seafood and poultry dish, and fresh cheeses as well as desserts.
Marketing
The product is sold as Domfront PDO. It is marketed in glass bottles, very similar to those used for champagne, that resist better to the pressure of a fermented drink. Nevertheless it is also packaged in different forms and in bottles of various sizes.
Distinctive Features
The uniqueness of Domfront PDO is due to technological and organoleptic characteristics of the Plant de Blanc variety from which it is produced that is widespread in the Bas Domfrontais region. This variety, along with other varieties to which it is associated, has been selected by the producers due to its suitability to the conformation and to the environmental characteristics of the region.
