Epic ciders - Europe

the last instalment in the 'epic cider trilogy' on the commercial room today.

Last year's international cider festival, held at Llancaiach Fawr Manor, allowed revellers to try not only the great ciders that are produced in the UK, but across Europe too.  I managed to sample some from Germany, France and Spain, and even did 2 tasting sessions with the German and Asturian delegation. Cider is a much revered drink on the continent, here are 5 to seek out:

Apfelwazer trocken 8%, Dieter Walz - Furth, Germany

This is a strong cider produced by Dieter Walz from Seidenbuch, in the Odenwald region.  The apples are collected from trees in the local meadows and produced in their very modern distillery.

German 'apple wines' are of a very high quality; and this one is crisp, full bodied and expertly balanced between fruitiness and acidity.

The man himself

La Sidra 5.6%, Sidra Alonso - Nava, Spain

To drink Asturian cider correctly is something of an event in itself, and I've been lucky enough to partake in the famous ritual.  The preferred way of serving the cider is to pour it from height (a process called 'escanciar') in small quantities, aiming to hit the inside of the rim of the glass.  Only a small amount is consumed and should be drank in one gulp.  Any remnants in the glass are then thrown away!

Cider is the national drink of the Asturias region, where over 90 factories are currently in operation.  This is a very dry, traditional cider.

The famous pouring method

La Real 4.1%, Champanera Villaviciosa - Gijon, Spain

This is another Asurian cider haling from Gijon.  It is claimed that the average Asturian drinks 45 litres of cider per year, but in the case of Gijon, this rises to 65 litres, making Asurians the biggest cider drinkers in the world.

This cider comes in a champagne style bottle complete with cork and cradle.  It is sweet with a delicious fresh apple aroma.

Wein aus Apfeln 6.6%, Apfelwienkontor - Frankfurt am Mein, Germany

Pure cider bars are few and far between in the UK, but in certain areas of Germany they are to be found in abundance.

Hessian apple wine makers specialise in high quality, almost champagne style ciders which are innovative and ultimately delicious. This is a still cider, incredibly fresh and aromatic - a real touch of class.

Cidre Breton 5%, Guillet Freres - Guenrouet, France

This traditional cider is produced 20 miles north of Nantes, in Brittany.  It is made from 100% Breton apples, which are grown in a perfect cider making climate.

This cider is still, slightly sweet at first which ends with a crisp apple dryness.