Description
The Cidre de Normandie PGI is a drink obtained through the fermentation of cider apples. The orchards of Normandy are essentially composed of sweet (44%) and semi-sweet (37%) varieties. Traditionally pears are used to acidify the juice, which gives the product its typical taste.
Production Area
The production area of Cidre de Normandie PGI includes the Lower-Normandy and Upper-Normandy regions, and some neighbouring municipal areas located in the following regions: Picardy, Pays-de-la-Loire and Center. The only operation which may not take place in this area is the packaging.
Production Method
The harvested cider apples are washed before being grated and squeezed, resulting in a pulp that is then mechanically pressed. The resulting must is then left to ferment, and the removal of the biomass during this process occurs through decantation, centrifugation or filtration. After fermentation, fining and assembly of the different types of cider is carried out allowing the regularization of the product's quality prior to packaging. The blending of the cider is permitted, as well as sweetening with fresh fruit and in some cases the addition of sugars is allowed for the bottling of sparkling natural cider. The formation of froth can take place in closed vats or in bottles and pasteurization and gasification are also permitted.
Appearance and Flavour
Cidre de Normandie PGI is a sparkling or slightly sparkling drink with a clear or cloudy appearance. The colour varies from a light yellow to a dark orange. The aroma is pronounced, particularly fruity, flowery and with a slightly sweet sensation. Hints of apple, citrus, peach, apricot, aniseed, lime, rose, cocoa, caramel and honey are recognizable.
History
The Cidre de Normandie PGI was already widespread in the 12th century in the Touques and Rille valleys, and therefore in the Cotentin and the Pays de Caux regions. Over the centuries this product has created a reputation that has spread outside the production region but still retaining its traditional distinctiveness.
Gastronomy
Cidre de Normandie PGI should be stored in cool places and is usually consumed fresh or cold at a temperature which can vary from 7 to 10° C. Cider is ideal to drink as an aperitif or to accompany the dessert. It is traditionally drunk in Normandy with traditional tripe or offal based local cuisine. It combines well with any other type of meat, fish and seafood dish, perfect with hot oysters and is particularly suited to accompany foie gras, but also very good with poultry, cheeses, and ideal as an accompaniment with desserts, especially crêpes.
Marketing
The product is sold as Cidre de Normandie PGI or Cidre Normand or Cidre Bouché de Normandie or Cidre Bouché Normand PGI. It is marketed in glass bottles of different shapes and sizes.
Distinctive Features
A range of valued and renowned local Normandy products has been produced from the quality of the raw material used to produce the Cidre de Normandie PGI, together with the experience gained and jealously transmitted from generation to generation by Norman producers.
