Cheeky Rascal Methode Traditionelle

Rebello Wines are doing some interesting things in cider these days, they are introducing new ideas to the Australian market under the Cheeky Rascal label. They’ve done mulled cider kits and cider with fresh strawberries. But today I get to review Cheeky Rascals’ most premium cider, the Methode Traditionelle apple cider.

The back label on the Cheeky Rascal is great; it’s doing half my job for me. As the cider market grows I think it is really important that the public are educated on the styles and techniques. We can all spot the difference between a rum and a gin or an IPA and stout. Cider styles can be a little more subtle, I’ve even confused a MT and a bottle conditioned cider. The Methode Tradionelle style is currently not recognized at the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (North America’s big cider competition). This type of packaging, that makes you think while you drink, may help to change that.

The Nose

Crown cap, I thought month was all about the big bottles of MT and their trademark agraffe. Anyway after releasing the crown and pouring into wine glass there is a healthy amount of head. Spraying up lemon zest and grapefruit.

The Taste

When served ice-cold, rich layer of rich bubbles envelope your tongue like a mouthful of lemon sorbet on a hot day. The fizz feel much bigger than they look in this MT cider. You would be forgiven for thinking that this was a sparkling white wine with the colour medium bodied white wine at that.

Up front it’s fruity, citrusy in fact. No real sweetness, this semi-dry has just enough sugar to promote the fruit.

Holding the cider on your mouth for a little longer, lets it warm through revealing hint of sweet and spicy apple, sitting on yeasty base note.

At the end, in the finish it’s truly crisp. Almost nothing is left behind.

Everything here is light and airy not as deep and integrating as others. You don’t have to think to hard about this cider.

Final Thoughts On This Cheeky Rascal

I’ve tried a few of Cheeky Rascals other ciders, most of the other products are sweet fruity drinks taken advantage of the strawberries available to Rebello Wines. While they show off the strawberries they are far too sweet for me. The Methode Traditionelle on the other hand, is a much closer to the mark for me.

Cheeky Rascal is a great name for this Methode Traditionelle. I would say it would be great at a garden party, but its more than that. This is the girl in the dress with the pixie hair cut intent on getting you in trouble.

This is anything but a session cider. You wouldn’t want a pint of the MT.  Instead it’s begging to be matched with some something thick, rich and salty, something like a crispy duck pancake and some hoisin sauce.

Sitting back on the grass at sunset spring. Duck pancake in one hand, flute of Cheeky Rascal in the other. I wouldn’t have much to complain about.

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