Imagine yourself in the lush orchards of Normandy, where Cyril Zangs has crafted a cider that’s as close to the essence of the land as you can get. This is no ordinary cider; it’s a bottle filled with heritage, complexity, and the natural vibrancy of nine different apple varieties, all grown in a single, sun-dappled orchard.
Cidre This Sider Up pours with a beautiful golden hue and offers aromas that hint at fresh earth, orchard fruit, and a touch of minerality. Each sip is a journey through crisp, racy flavors that balance earthy complexity with a refreshing brightness—a cider with the soul of a fine wine. This isn’t your everyday bubbly apple drink; it’s an experience, with depth and character that’s racy and refined.
Pair it with a Normandy classic like ham and cheese galettes, or enjoy it on its own as a lower-alcohol alternative to wine. Whether you’re a cider enthusiast or a wine lover looking for something new, Cidre This Sider Up invites you to taste Normandy in its purest form.
Here are some thoughtful food pairing guidelines to bring out the unique, crisp flavors in Cidre This Sider Up from Normandy:
1. Classic French Pairings
• Cheese and Ham Galettes: This cider shines alongside savory crêpes filled with melted cheese, ham, and perhaps a touch of Dijon mustard. The cider’s crisp acidity cuts through the richness, enhancing each bite of this Normandy classic.
• Camembert or Brie: Soft, creamy cheeses are a match made in heaven with this cider’s minerality and fresh acidity. Try it with a slightly warm, gooey Camembert or Brie for an indulgent pairing that balances earthiness and creaminess.
2. Charcuterie Boards
• Smoked Ham and Sausages: The smoky flavors of cured meats like smoked ham or French saucisson pair beautifully with the cider’s racy freshness, adding a delightful contrast to the cider’s crisp profile.
• Pâté and Rillettes: The cider’s acidity cuts through the richness of pork rillettes or duck pâté, bringing a balanced harmony to this traditional French charcuterie pairing.
3. Seafood
• Oysters on the Half Shell: This cider’s minerality and bright acidity make it a fantastic alternative to sparkling wine with oysters. The salty brine of the oysters enhances the cider’s earthy undertones.
• Mussels in White Wine and Herbs: A steaming pot of mussels cooked with garlic, shallots, and fresh herbs finds a perfect match in this cider, which complements the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the broth.
4. Pork and Poultry Dishes
• Roast Pork with Apples: The apple notes in the cider naturally pair with pork, especially a dish with roasted apples or caramelized onions. The cider’s bright acidity brings out the juiciness in the meat while enhancing any apple-based sauces.
• Herb-Roasted Chicken: Roasted chicken seasoned with thyme and rosemary pairs well with the cider’s fresh, racy profile, making each bite feel light and flavorful.
5. Salads and Light Dishes
• Salad with Warm Goat Cheese: A simple mixed greens salad with tangy, warm goat cheese and a light vinaigrette will complement the cider’s acidity, highlighting its minerally backbone and crisp finish.
• Apple and Fennel Salad: Enhance the cider’s apple flavors with an apple and fennel salad, perhaps with a sprinkle of walnuts or almonds for texture. The subtle sweetness of the cider complements the anise notes of the fennel.
6. Vegetable Dishes
• Grilled Vegetables with Herbs: Grilled zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers seasoned with fresh herbs are a fantastic match with the cider’s earthy and complex profile. The light smokiness from the grill adds depth to the pairing.
• Butternut Squash Soup: A warm bowl of creamy butternut squash soup, perhaps with a touch of sage, complements the cider’s minerality and brings out its softer, fruity side.
7. Desserts
• Tarte Tatin: This classic French apple tart brings out the cider’s natural apple flavors. The sweetness of caramelized apples against the cider’s crisp acidity creates a balanced, satisfying end to any meal.
• Crepes with Salted Caramel: A slightly sweet dessert like crêpes drizzled with salted caramel pairs nicely with the cider’s brightness and minerality, enhancing the sweet-savory balance in each bite.
8. Light Appetizers
• Toasts with Apple Chutney and Cheese: Small toasts topped with a dollop of apple chutney and a mild cheese like Comté or Gruyère bring out the cider’s fruity, earthy notes, making it a delightful start to any meal.
• Smoked Salmon Canapés: The minerality in the cider pairs well with smoked salmon on toasted baguette slices with a touch of crème fraîche and fresh dill.
Each of these pairings brings out the cider’s racy, earthy complexity, making it a versatile and enjoyable choice for a variety of dishes. From classic Normandy flavors to seafood and savory vegetables, Cidre This Sider Up is a food-friendly cider that enhances every bite.