Hérout Micro Cuvée No. 3 2020 is an organic sparkling cider from Maison Hérout in the Cotentin peninsula of Normandy, bottled at 5.5% ABV.
Structured and taut, it stands out for its beautiful tannic structure and notes of fresh pear. It ferments for six months in oak barrels that previously held Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, then is bottled without any added gas. After a natural foaming in the bottle, it ages 20 months on slats before disgorging.
It is pale gold and completely clear. The nose is fine, with slightly woody notes over aromas of pear. On the palate it shows very fine bubbles and a fresh bitterness for a vinous cider, its tannins reinforced by the ageing, with a hint of acidity on the finish. A dry, structured cider made for the table.
Maison Hérout's Cotentin AOP ciders are unpasteurised and made from 100% pure juice of organic cider apples. The family orchard covers 10 hectares of high-stem and low-stem trees between 10 and 65 years old, with more than 25 apple varieties, including the Rouge de Cantepie, once found only in this orchard.
The orchard sits on the Armorican Massif, on schist, sandstone and ancient granite under a deep silty soil. Maison Hérout was founded in Auvers in 1946, has farmed organically since the 1970s and led the creation of the Cotentin AOP in 2016.
Tasting Notes
-
Color: Pale gold and clear.
-
Nose: Fine, slightly woody, with pear.
-
Palate: Very fine bubbles, fresh bitterness, firm tannins and a hint of acidity.
Specifications
-
Producer: Maison Hérout, Auvers, Cotentin, Normandy
-
Style: Organic sparkling cider, traditional method
-
Vintage: 2020
-
Ageing: 6 months in ex-Chardonnay and Pinot Noir barrels, 20 months on slats
-
ABV: 5.5%
-
Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve chilled, at about 45 to 50°F, in a wine glass. It pairs well with roast pork, Normandy cheeses such as Camembert and Pont-l'Évêque, oysters and seafood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Micro Cuvée No. 3?
A barrel-fermented, bottle-conditioned organic cider from Maison Hérout in Normandy.
Is it dry?
Yes, it is a dry, structured cider made for food.
Is it organic?
Yes, it is made from organic cider apples.
Explore more in our Wine collection.
