Because of the ocean climate, Normandy is not known for wine, but there have been vineyards in the past that have produced inexpensive boxed wine. There is only one small winery in Upper Normandy, which is locally renowned for producing excellent wine that goes well with the famous meals in the area. Arpents du Soleil is the name of the local winery. The climate in the northern part of Normandy is a sunny and dry microclimate. In 2007, this vineyard produced 15,000 bottles of wine. Produced in Normandy, Pommeau de Normandie is a drink made with pears and apples, two of Normandy’s specialites. Pommeau is produced by mixing apple eau-de-vie with slightly fermented apple must. This raises the alcohol level high enough so that the yeast will survive. Without yeasts, the fermentation process will stop. After fermentation, the producers are left with an apple scented juice that is quite sweet. The final alcohol content is between 16 and 18%. The process is known as mutage and is essentially the same technique that is used for making vins doux naturels. Pommeau is a mistelle. This is a French term that means partially fermented fruit fortified with alcohol.
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.
Hartford Court Three Jacks Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
The Three Jacks Vineyard Chardonnay exhibits aromas of lemon curd, orange marmalade, and brioche, with juicy flavors of pear, candied citrus peel, chamomile, and a rich, mineral-driven texture. The wine is full-bodied, weighty, and rich yet remarkably agile on its feet because of firm underlying acidity.
The 2019 Chardonnay Three Jacks Vineyard, from vines planted in 1995, was barrel fermented and matured in 31% new French oak for 14 months. It's one of the best iterations I've tasted, combining expansive flavor and texture with precise, laser-like acidity. It offers delicate, pure scents of apricot, dried tarragon, white pepper and citrus blossoms with a stony undercurrent. The medium-bodied palate has dynamic energy from its oily texture and shimmery acidity, and it finishes with tense, mineral-driven flavors. It has much more to give as it unfurls in bottle and will be long lived in the cellar.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 95 Points
Filippino Elio Barbaresco San Cristoforo Riserva 10 Anni is made from 100% Nebbiolo.
This Riserva 100% Nebbiolo is produced on the hillsides of the San Cristoforo vineyard in Neive. A beautiful wine, full of fruity aromas, violet and raspberries, along with spicy hints of cinnamon, tobacco and vanilla. Full-bodied and elegant with intense flavors.
The best grapes are delicately pressed and the stalks are removed. The must ferments in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature of 26°C with a maceration of 25 days. After racking, the new wine is put into 15-25 hl Slavonian oak casks for long months. Next, it is bottled and left to age for at least 7 years. The tenth year the wine is ready for the market.