French

Willie Smiths have always been influenced by the French cider makers. It’s been evident over the years in their quest for French style funk. The French Blend is the pinnacle of this quest. Read More

Cidre Nerios is a from Brittany, France. Made by the Cidermaker Domaine Johanna Cecillon. Coming from a long line of wine and cidermakers, Cecillon really knows her way around oak barrels. Read More

Fournier Doux is an bit of an elusive cider. The company’s website does little more than show images of the ciders they make including the Doux, a brut and a rosé. The bottle does tell us that the apples used in the cider are grown in their own orchards. That to me, is a massive part of “real cider”. I’m not saying superb real ciders can’t be made from brought in apples but they loose something in the terrior. It’s this soil to bottle mentality coupled with the traditional Normandy taste has seen them awarded a PGI by the European union.
PGI or Protected geographical indication Means that a product is typical of a region. The techniques used are traditional and unique to the culture of that region. The term Doux is a French term to describe the fact it is a sweet cider below 3% alcohol.

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