Cider
Pure apple juice is pressed from a mixture of apple varieties, all with descriptive, sing-song names : for example, 'peaceful', 'estate', 'fieldmouse red', 'potbelly' and so on. The exact proportions used in blending are kept secret by each cider-maker. The resulting pure apple is the first stage in the process, but as cider is a living thing it continues to mature, becomes cloudy and then clears again. As the sugar turns to alcohol (5%), the pure juice changes and its sweetness become sharper. Each brew of cider is judged by local tastes and standards.
PommeauPommeau is Normandy's own 'aperitif' and is made from a mix of cider and calvados using time-honoured recipes. As it matures in oak casks, pommeau takes on a fine amber colour. When drunk slightly chilled one can appreciate its 'body' and taste.
Calvados
Calvados on the other hand improves with age. A fine spirit distilled traditionally in theses parts, it is the finest destiny of the apple. Cider for distilling, instead of being corked and drunk at meals, is left in casks. A year or two later it is distilled in the same way as cognac. This is done in two stages: first the juice is drawn off and distilled a second time and then the distilled liquid containing only apple-cores is kept to mature in oak casks. In this way, the remaining taste of the lees disappears and a fine spirit is born. The age of a good calvados is certainly very important, and it is still possible to find 50-year old bottles on family farms. However, it is also quite possible to find a really decent younger calvados worth drinking. Check for the quality seal to guarantee a good bottle.
© www.calvados-tourisme.com
<< Back
 |
|
|
| News |
What's happening in Poitou Charentes? |
|
|
|
| 29/09/2011 Freedom of the city of London for ABTOF Member |
|
|
|
|
|
| 07/12/2011 Winning article - Online |
The winning article from the online category of the French Travel Article of the Year awards, written by Sharron Livingston
|
|
|
|
| 07/12/2011 Winning article - Magazines |
Winner of the magazine category of the French Travel Article of the Year awards, written by Eve Kerswill
|
|
|
|
| 24/08/2011 Le Weekend 20 & 21 August 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 02/11/2010 Collection of Snippets from ABTOF members 1st Nov |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Circuits des Remparts
September (annual)
|
Angouleme - Charente
|
A host of the most interesting vintage cars descend on Augouleme for the annual Circuit des Remparts.
|
|
|
|
Comic books in Angoulême
January - February
|
Angoulême
|
| In fact lasting five days, this mad musical marathon sees some 2,000 artists descend on the city to perform in more than 250 concerts. |
|
|
|
THE CINESCENIE® OF THE PUY DU FOU®
June - July - August - September
|
Puy du Fou
|
Almost 9 million spectators, 23 hectares of stage, 1,200 actors, 6,000 costumes, and 100 minutes of show and emotion with the voices of Philippe Noiret, Alain Delon, Jean Piat, Robert Hossein, etc. The greatest nocturnal show in the world! |
|
|
|
Tour de France
July (Annual)
|
Throughout France
|
|
The Tour de France is the world's main cycle race. Started in 1903, it is a 23-day, 21-stage bicycle road race usually run over more than 3,500 kilometres (2,200 mi). The route, which varies from year to year, traces a circuit around most areas of
France, and often passes into neighbouring countries. |
|
|
|
L'Armistice
11 November
|
Throughout France
|
| Armistice Day, which marks the symbolic end of the First World War in 1918. Those who perished during the two world wars are remembered during this ceremony. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Newsletter
|
|
|
|
Sign up to our newsletter for latest news, offers and deals
 |
|
|
|
| Offers |
|
| Holiday Options |
Accommodation
Loading
|
Inntravel Cycling Holidays
Leisurely self-guided holidays for easy to moderate cycling in France.
|
|
The widest choice in the Aquitaine with Pierre & Vacances
Pierre & Vacances. No 1 for the Atlantic Coast Beach apartments with pools to family holiday resorts.
|
|
Francophiles Exploring France
Accompanied cultural luxury coach tours to regions of France
|
|
Belle France - Cycling & Walking
Delightful cycling and walking holidays through beautiful parts of France. Venture at your own pace.
|
|
Cycling for Softies/Cycling for Gourmets
Live as gypsies by day and kings by night. Cycling for Softies offers luxurious, independent holidays in rural France. Hotels are chosen for comfort, character, friendliness and, most importantly, the gourmet menus! susi@cycling-for-softies.co.uk
|
|
FRENCH TRAVEL SERVICE
The leading specialist in stay put & touring rail holidays to France by Eurostar & TGV.
|
More Holiday Options ... |
|
 |
Average Temperature
Dependant on When
|
|
Sunshine Hours
Dependant on When |
 |
Average Rainfall
Dependant on When |
|
|