Calvados Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is Calvados?
An apple brandy produced in the Normandy in France.
What is Calvados Domfrontais?
A brandy made from apples and pears. Must use 30% pear cider. Many use between 70-80% pears. Must use continuous column still, and must be aged in oak a minimum of 3 years.
How is the fermented cider for Calvados produced?
The fruit is crushed to a pulp and further pressed to release the juice. It ferments for at least a month at a low temperature until there is no sugar left. This is a dry cider that is distilled using a variety of techniques
What are the four categories of apples used for the production of Calvados?
Acidic/sour
Bitter/sour
Sweet
Bittersweet
Why are pears more commonly processed shortly after they are harvested than apples?
Pears are more susceptible to damage from oxidation or microbial infection than apples.
What is not allowed during fermentation in Calvados Domfrontais?
Adding sugar to the juice, cultured yeast, yeast nutrients or any preservatives (such as SO₂)
What is not allowed during fermentation in Calvados and Calvados Pay d’Auge?
Adding sugar to the juice.
What is the approximate ABV of the cider that is to be distilled in the production of Calvados?
5%-6%
How long is the fermentation process for more premium Calvados?
6-8 weeks, slower than regular Calvados
What is a foudres?
A large oak barrel traditionally used for aging Calvados. Ranges in size from 250-2500 gallons (1,000-10,000 liters).
What is the maximum number of plates allowed in Calvados distillation?
31.
What are the three AOCs for Calvados?
Calvados AOC
Calvados Pays d’Auge AOC
Calvados Domfrontis AOC
What percentage of the production of Calvados is Calvados AOC?
Over 70%
What is the aging requirement for Calvados AOC?
2 years in oak barrels.
How is Calvados AOC distilled?
Using a single double-column distillation, but double distillation in pots is allowed.
What is the maximum ABV for newly made Calvados AOC?
72%.
What type of still is the column still used in Calvados AOC similar to?
Armagnac stills.
What can give Calvados AOC a sharp texture and an aromatic lift?
High levels of methanol from the apples and pears.
What is Calvados Pays d’Auge AOC?
The highest quality Calvados. Limited to the east end of Calvados and a few adjoining districts. Pears are limited to no more than 30% of the blend.
What is the aging requirement for Calvados Pays d’Auge AOC?
Minimum 2 years in oak barrels. May be aged up to forty years.
How is Calvados Pays d’Auge distilled?
Double distillation in an copper alembic pot still, similar to the ones in Cognac.
What is the ABV of the first distillation in Calvados Pays d’Auge production?
28-30% ABV
What is the ABV of a newly made spirit in Calvados Pays d’Auge production?
65-70% ABV.
What are the labeling terms used for Calvados?
*** (three stars) /Fine/VS
Vieux/Reserve
VO/VSOP/Vieille Reserve
XO/Extra/Napoleon/Hors d’Age
