Calvados Flashcards
What is Calvados?
An apple brandy produced in the French area of Normandy.
What is Calvados classified as in the EU?
A cider spirit.
What is Calvados Domfrontais?
A brandy made from apples and pears. Must use 30% pear cider. Many use between 70-80% pears. Uses continuous column still, ad must be aged in oak a minimum of 3 years.
How is Calvados produced?
The fruit is crushed to a pulp and further pressed to release the juice. It ferments for at least a month at a low temperature until there is no sugar left. This is a dry cider that is distilled using a variety of techniques
What are the four categories of apples used for the production of Calvados?
Acidic/sour
Bitter
Sweet
Bittersweet
What is a typical blend of the categories of apples used to make Calvados?
10% Acidic/sour
20% Bitter
50% Bittersweet
20% Sweet
What is the approximate ABV of the cider that is distilled in the production of Calvados?
6%
How long is the fermentation process for more premium Calvados?
6-8 weeks, slower than regular Calvados
What is a foudres?
A large oak barrel traditionally used for aging Calvados. Ranges in size from 250-2500 gallons.
What are the three AOCs for Calvados?
Calvados AOC
Calvados Pays d’Auge AOC
Calvados Domfrontis AOC
What percentage of the production of Calvados is Calvados AOC?
Over 70%
What is the aging requirement for Calvados AOC?
2 years in oak barrels.
How is Calvados AOC distilled?
Using single column distillation, but double distillation is allowed.
What is Calvados Pays d’Auge AOC?
The highest quality Calvados. Limited to the east end of Calvados and a few adjoining districts. Pears are limited to no more than 30% of the blend.
What is the aging requirement for Calvados Pays d’Auge AOC?
Minimum 2 years in oak barrels. May be aged up to forty years.
