Distilling Knowledge Calvados and other fruit spirits

Question 1

What three separate appellations use Calvados?

Answer 1

Calvados most of Normandy west of Rouen
Calvados Pays d’Auge center of Normandy
Calvados Domfrontais western edge of Normandy

Question 2

What percentage of trees planted in Calvados must be native?

Answer 2

20% of plantings

Question 3

What are the allowed styles of apple tree plantings allowed in Calvados orchards?

Answer 3

planted with at least 70% bitter or bittersweet apple varieties and no more than 15% acidic apple varieties.

Question 4

What appellation requires 3 years aging in oak?

Answer 4

Calvados Domfrontais

Question 5

What appellation allows for 30% perry pears in its cider?

Answer 5

Calvados Pays d’Auge

Question 6

What types of stills are used in Calvados production?

Answer 6

Calvados - Either pot or double column still
Pays d’Auge - Same pot stills as Cognac
Domfrontais - Double copper column still

Question 7

What method is used for Calvados maturation?

Answer 7

Generally old foudres ranging from 1000-10000 litres but some producers use new oak barrels before transferring

Question 8

What are the 3 main classes of fruit

Answer 8

Pip Fruit - Williams Pear
Stone Fruit - Plum (Mirabelle and Quetsch) Cherry
Berries/ Soft Fruit - Raspberry and Strawberry

Question 9

What are two techniques used to prepare fruit for distillation?

Answer 9

Fermentation

Maceration