Spirits: Calvados

Question 1

In the production of Calvados, what is “rémiage”?

Answer 1

A second maceration with water added to the marc. Any juice extracted by this method must have a min. must weight of 48 g/l.

Question 2

Which of the following are legal for the production of Calvados: Pasteurization, Acidification, Chaptalization, Carbonation

Answer 2

None

Question 3

What additives are allowed for Calvados AC?

Answer 3

Sugar, caramel, oak chips can all be used for a final adjustment

Demineralized/distilled water can be used to adjust alcohol

Question 4

Calvados AC min. aging

Answer 4

Min 2 years (from July 1 following distillation).

Ages in oak, mask cask size 20hl

Question 5

VS/Fine/Trois Etoiles/Trois Pommes Calvados

Answer 5

min. 2 yrs (for youngest Calvados in blend

Question 6

Calvados Vieux/Reserve

Answer 6

Min 3 years (for the youngest Calvados in the blend)

Question 7

Labelling terms for 3yr old Calvados

Answer 7

Vieux
Reserve

Question 8

Aging requirement for:
VO / VSOP/ Vieille Réserve Calvados

Answer 8

youngest Calvados in the blend is at least 4 years old

(Cognac VSOP is also 4 years)

Question 9

terms for 6yr old Calvados

Answer 9

Hors d’Age / XO / Très Vieille Réserve / Très Vieux / Extra / Napoléon

Question 10

Calvados Hors d’Age age

Answer 10

Min 6 years for the youngest Calvados in the blend

Question 11

Calvados XO age

Answer 11

Min 6yrs
(youngest in blend)

• remember.. Cognac & Armagnac XO is 10

Question 12

Calvados Très Vieille Réserve age

Answer 12

Min 6 years for the youngest Calvados in the blend

Question 13

Calvados Tres Vieux age

Answer 13

Min 6 years for the youngest Calvados in the blend

Question 14

Calvados Extra age

Answer 14

Min 6 years for the youngest Calvados in the blend

Question 15

Which of the three Calvados AC’s has the longest minimum aging requirement

Answer 15

Domfrontais AC
Min. 3 years for the youngest Calvados in the blend

Question 16

What is the “bonne chaufe “?

Answer 16

Heart of the distillation

Question 17

Which of the Calvados AC would be distilled in a continuous still?

Answer 17

Calvados AC (has the option)
Domfrontais AC (must be)

Question 18

Which of the Calvados AC’s would be distilled in a copper pot still?

Answer 18

Calvados AC (has the option)
Pays d’Auge (required)

Question 19

What type of still is required for distillation of Calvados Domfrontais?

Answer 19

Continuous column still

Question 20

What type of still is required for distillation of Calvados Pays d’Auge?

Answer 20

Copper pot still

Question 21

What is the difference in assemblage for the 3 Calvados AC?

Answer 21

Calvados = apple and/or pear
Domfrontais = min. 30% pear
Pays d’Auge = max 30% pear

Question 22

What are the 2 permitted pruning methods for Calvados AC?

Answer 22

Haute Tige
Bas Tige

Question 23

What is the maximum ABV allowed for Calvados at conclusion of distillation?

Answer 23

72%

Question 24

What additives are allowed for Calvados AC?

Answer 24

Sugar, caramel, oak chips, water for alcohol adjustment

Question 25

What is the French name for “spirit boiler” - the other name for the Charentais Alembic still?

Answer 25

Chaudière d’eau-de-vie

Question 26

Calvados min. ABV

Answer 26

40%

Question 27

Calvados encepagement

Answer 27

Apple and/or Pear
Apples = min. 70% bitter, max 15% phenolic varieties. 20% “local” varieties

Question 28

Term for estate Calvados

Answer 28

Produit Fermier