The Calvados Morin Estate
The history of Calvados Morin began in 1889 in La Haye de Calleville in the Risle Valley, before Pierre Morin succeeded his father and transferred their small family business to Brionne, and from there finally to Ivry la Bataille, a charming small Norman town in the Eure Valley. Calvados Morin was set up in 1945 in the former facilities of the Theleme Distillery, a famous liquor at that time. The main advantage of the establishment is its ageing facilities, which are unique in Normandy, particularly its large underground cellars, where several hundred small oak barrels containing the precious Brandy can be stored. Today, the company is run by Mr. Viry, father and son, who succeeded Pierre Morin, and continue to work in the footsteps of their founder. The company has been exporting its products since 1950s, and now exports almost half of its production to the European Community, Switzerland, Eastern Europe and Asia. In addition, it was one of the first to send Calvados to the United States.
The Calvados Morin Environment
The unique environment of the cellars plays an important role in the development of the Calvados. Dug into the chalky hills of the Eure Valley, the long galleries go deep into the cliff. The extremely humid atmosphere of these places is perfect for the Calvados ageing process, maturing in silence, away from the vibrations of the city. The relative humidity of the air (almost 100%) allows the alcohol content to decrease naturally, resulting in the smoothest, most harmonious brandy. Calvados Morin offers a broad range of quality levels, ranging from 3-year old to over 30-year old brandies.
The Fournier Family cider story started in 1943. Located in South Normandy in the middle of Dukes of Alençon province, the landscape is offering a mix between green valley and strong hills. Apples and pear trees are growing up on the hills. It is in this typical and original environment that Fournier Cider is cultivating their orchard. The fruit variety selected is giving character, authenticity and quality. The Cidre Fournier Spirit is having under control quality in their growth over: love of the land, the orchards, qualitative fruits and product well made.
perfect with savory dishes like meat and buckwheat pancake. It can be mixed with fruit liquor for cocktail.
Pommeau de Normandie a mistel type of beverage. Same process as Floc de Gascogne, Pineau des Charentes and Ratafia de Champagne.
It is made with 2/3 Unfermented sweet fruit juice (apple and pear) with 1/3 distilled alcohol at 51% ABV (Calvados).
Excellent with desert, such as French crepes (very thin pancakes).
Ruby red with soft purplish reflections. Rich and complex on the nose, very reminiscent of small fruits of brambles, black cherry and a very delicate hint of softwood. On the palate it is decisive, complex and extraordinarily persistent.
Review:
Complex aromas of ripe fruit, toffee, cedar and smoke. Medium body, round and creamy tannins and a fresh, juicy finish.
-James Suckling 94 Points
Thorn Clarke Milton Park Shiraz is aged for 12 months in American oak barrels.
Deep red color. The wine is deep and rich smelling with dark fruits, plums and spice with some good oak. There is very rich fruit on the palate with plums, blackberry and sweet spice from the oak. The palate is vibrant and young with a flavorsome viscous mouthfeel which will develop complexity with time. There are some slightly chewy tannins which will soften with time and there is great length of fruit flavor.