Cidre

Last night was a sparkling cider evening.  The clouds cleared in the early evening and by the time dinner was ready the sun was setting. 

The cider was an Etienne Dupont Cidre Triple from the 2013 vintage.  Per the label it was produced from a selection of bitter apples from the Pays D'Auge area of Normandy.  I was familiar with the regular cider from Dupont, but not this much stronger Triple.  It checked in at 11% alcohol.

The flavors were a mix of bitter apples and mushrooms. It was bone dry, crisp and refreshing and reminded me most of a dry German Riesling with a few years bottle age.  Quite a long finish and the bubbles stayed busy the entire time.  It is not quite as apple like as the regular bottling at 5% alcohol but it is very good stuff

Dinner was some grilled swordfish and a slaw of fennel, apples and crushed juniper berries.  It was good with the fish, but it was tremendous with the slaw, which was dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. 

2013 Etienne Dupont Cidre Triple.  11% alcohol and $9.