What is Calvados made of?
Calvados is a variety of brandy made from apples (and sometimes pears). Like Champagne, Calvados has to be grown in a certain region in order to be called Calvados, and that region is Normandy in northern France.
What is Calvados Champagne?
Like Champagne, Calvados has to be grown in a certain region in order to be called Calvados, and that region is Normandy in northern France. Calvados first lives as an apple cider, made by fermenting apples.
What is a Calvados drink?
This is a small drink of calvados taken between courses in a very long meal, sometimes with apple or pear sorbet, supposedly to reawaken the appetite. Calvados can be served as an apéritif, blended in drinks, between meals, as a digestif, or with coffee.
What is calvados brandy?
Calvados is Normandy’s revered apple cider brandy but it is often overlooked in favour of other eau-de-vie like cognac. In this guide, you will learn everything that you need to know about calvados from its flavours and how to drink it: What Is Calvados? What Does Calvados Taste Like?
Is Calvados brandy or cognac?
Calvados is an apple brandy with Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status. It can only be produced in Normandy, much like Cognac is a specific brandy that can only be distilled from white wine made within a particular region from certain grapes. Calvados isn't distilled from wine grapes, however.
Is Calvados the same as cognac?
Firstly, the ingredients are different. Cognac is made from distilling white wine and therefore grapes, while Calvados is made from cider and therefore apples — a fundamental that Béjot claims works in their favour.
What is the difference between brandy and Calvados?
Brandy generally refers to a distilled spirit made from fermented fruit juice. It can be produced using grapes or fruit. (Calvados, for instance, is an apple brandy from the Normandy region in France).
Can you drink Calvados straight?
Once distilled, Calvados must be aged in oak casks for a minimum of two years, except in the Domfrontais region where it is aged for at least three years. While it's customary to sip Calvados straight — or stir it into your morning coffee!
Should Calvados be refrigerated?
On its own, Calvados goes down smoothly at room temperature, but the apple taste in the foreground makes it surprisingly refreshing served chilled.
How do you drink Calvados brandy?
Calvados also goes well with exciting sweet and sour combinations, those that include apples and pears, of course, but also using peaches, prunes, grapes or apricots. With desserts, the pastry notes in the Calvados are perfect with fruit tarts, tarte tatin, tiramisu and any kind of chocolate-based cake.
What does calvados taste like?
What does Calvados taste like? Predominantly Calvados tastes of apple and pears, but often offers notes of apricot, baking spices, sweet pastries and flowers.
Does calvados help digestion?
Digestifs remain highly popular in France today. A tipple of calvados, cognac or armagnac after a hearty meal is seen as a luxurious way to help the digestive system. At the other end are apéritifs (apéro) such as kir, white wine or pastis that are thought to sharpen the appetite before a meal.
What does the word calvados mean?
a French brandy distilled from apple cider. Word origin. after Calvados, department in NW France, where chiefly distilled.
Do you warm Calvados?
Flambéing with Calvados: To succeed in flambéing, it is important to warm the calvados gently in a small pan. Once it is hot light the Calvados in the pan and tip it carefully over the dish to be flambéd.
What cheese goes with Calvados?
Try your Calvados alongside rich blue cheese, brie, and other soft cheeses. The creaminess of soft cheeses should accentuate the fruity notes of the brandy. Enjoy a glass of Calvados with a simple fruit plate. Apple brandy acts as an elegant complement to a variety of fresh fruits.
What flavor is Calvados brandy?
Calvados is a type of Brandy named after its home region in Normandy. Literally speaking, it's apple cider distilled into Brandy, but, in reality, it's much more than that. For starters, it's not made from just one kind of apple; hundreds of different apple varieties are permitted in its production.
What can I use instead of Calvados?
Keep in mind that cooking any liqueur will diminish a lot of the original flavor, which makes replacements not such a challenge to find.Cheap brandy. ... Unsweetened apple juice concentrate. ... Apple cider. ... Apple essence. ... Apple juice. ... Apple butter. ... Pear brandy.
What does Calvados taste like?
What does Calvados taste like? Predominantly Calvados tastes of apple and pears, but often offers notes of apricot, baking spices, sweet pastries and flowers.
What is the difference between cognac Armagnac and Calvados?
Armagnac also tends to be less frequently blended, giving it an earthier, heartier style than the smoother lighter style of cognac. The last great aged brandy of France is calvados from Normandy. This is apple country, and this brandy is made from apples rather than grapes.
What is the difference between brandy and cognac?
As previously mentioned, brandy is distilled fruit juice, and it can be any kind of fruit juice, while cognac is a specific type of distilled fruit juice with lots of qualifications. Cognac comes from the Cognac region of southwestern France, and is made with a fruit juice base of white grapes.
What is Calvados?
Calvados is apple cider that has been distilled into Brandy. It can only be produced within three appellation designations in Normandy, France.
Where to buy Calvados?
You may be able to purchase Calvados from your local liquor store, however why not order it from our online shop where we have a variety of product...
How to drink Calvados?
Although traditionally enjoyed neat as a digestif, younger Calvados is also excellent in a variety of mixed drinks and cocktails. It is a popular i...
How is Calvados made?
Calvados is made by single or double distilling apple cider to produce eaux-de-vie which is then aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels bef...
What is Calvados made of?
Calvados is made from cider apples and also sometimes perry pears which have been pressed and fermented to produce apple cider. The apple cider is...
What is fine Calvados?
Fine Calvados is the youngest age classification for Calvados, meaning it has been aged for a minimum of 2 years but not more than 3 years.
What is the best calvados?
It is usually assumed that the older a Calvados is, the better quality it is. However, it also depends on how you will be enjoying your Calvados, a...
is Calvados gluten free?
Yes, Calvados is gluten-free.
Is Calvados brandy?
Yes, Calvados is apple cider that has been distilled into Brandy.
What is a calvados?
Calvados is the basis of the tradition of le trou Normand, or "the Norman hole". This is a small drink of calvados taken between courses in a very long meal, sometimes with apple or pear sorbet, supposedly to reawaken the appetite. Calvados can be served as an apéritif, blended in drinks, between meals, as a digestif, or with coffee. Well-made calvados should naturally be reminiscent of apples and pears, balanced with flavours of aging. The less-aged calvados distinguishes itself with its fresh apple and pear aromas. The longer the calvados is aged, the more the taste resembles that of any other aged brandy. As calvados ages, it may become golden or darker brown with orange elements and red mahogany. The nose and palate are delicate with concentration of aged apples and dried apricots balanced with butterscotch, nut, and chocolate aromas.
What is the area called Calvados?
The area called "Calvados" was created after the French Revolution, but eau de vie de cidre was already called calvados in common usage. In the 19th century, output increased with industrial distillation and the working class fashion for café-calva.
Why was calvados considered a golden age?
When a phylloxera outbreak in the last quarter of the 19th century devastated the vineyards of France and Europe, calvados experienced a "golden age". During World War I, cider brandy was requisitioned to make explosives for the armament industry due to its alcohol content.
How many varieties of apples are in Calvados?
It is not uncommon for a calvados producer to use over 100 specific varieties of apples which are either sweet (such as the 'Rouge Duret' variety), tart (such as the 'Rambault' variety), or bitter (such as the 'Mettais', 'Saint Martin', 'Frequin', and 'Binet Rouge' varieties), the latter being inedible.
When was cider made?
The first known record of Norman distillation was made by squire Gilles de Gouberville in 1553, and the guild for cider distillation was created about 50 years later in 1606. In the 17th century, the traditional cider farms expanded, but taxation and prohibition of cider brandies were enforced elsewhere than Brittany, Maine, and Normandy. The area called "Calvados" was created after the French Revolution, but eau de vie de cidre was already called calvados in common usage. In the 19th century, output increased with industrial distillation and the working class fashion for café-calva. When a phylloxera outbreak in the last quarter of the 19th century devastated the vineyards of France and Europe, calvados experienced a "golden age". During World War I, cider brandy was requisitioned to make explosives for the armament industry due to its alcohol content. The appellation contrôlée regulations officially gave calvados a protected name in 1942. After the war, many cider houses and distilleries were reconstructed, mainly in the Pays d'Auge. Many of the traditional farmhouse structures were replaced by modern agriculture with high output. The calvados appellation system was revised in 1984 and 1996. Pommeau got its recognition in 1991; in 1997, an appellation for Domfront with 30% pears was created.
What is the drink of the Queen's Own Rifles?
Calvados is the regimental drink of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, The Royal Canadian Hussars, Le Régiment de Hull, Le Régiment de Maisonneuve, and The Sherbrooke Hussars. The troops were gifted with Calvados as the units passed through Normandy following the D-Day invasion. Known as le trou normand, it is normally taken between courses at a regimental dinner, or during a toast to remember fallen soldiers.
What is the appellation of AOC?
The appellation of AOC ( appellation d'origine contrôlée) for calvados authorizes double distillation for all calvados, but it is required for the Calvados Pays d'Auge.
What is Calvados?
Calvados is a popular type of apple brandy from the Normandy region of France, which must be aged for at least two years in barrels to earn this distinction. It differs from cognac in that it is made with apples instead of grapes. Calvados gained popularity at the end of the 19th century when disease ravaged the vineyards of France but fortunately spared the apple orchards. Traditionally made from a mix of over 200 different apple varieties, good calvados taste bittersweet, with subtle notes of spice. The alcohol content is usually 40%, and a 1.5-oz serving contains approximately 13 grams of carbs. [1]
Is it safe to cook with alcohol?
Word of Caution: Moderation is key. The risks involved with drinking excessive alcohol can be short term such as violence and injuries to long-term health risks such as chronic diseases. Also, cooking with alcoholic beverages results in only some loss of alcohol content. Foods baked or simmered in alcohol can retain anywhere from 4 percent to 85 percent of the alcohol, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Data lab. [5] [6]
Where does calvados come from?
Calvados originates from a wide variety of cider apples and perry pears which fall into one of four flavor categories.
What is a calvados barrel made of?
The process for aging Calvados is very similar to Cognac but the barrels used for Calvados are made from either Sessile or Pedunculate oak, rather that Limousin or Troncais. As the eau-de-vie sits in these wooden barrels oxygen seeps through causing natural evaporation, this results in a steady decrease in alcohol content and volume (between 2 and 4% depending on the climate) which is often referred to as the ‘angels’ share’.
How does cider turn into eau de vie?
The magical distillation process is what transforms cider into eau-de-vie and this happens as the alcohol is separated from water. When the cider is heated to a certain point, the alcohol evaporates before the water, as its boiling point is lower. The alcohol vapors are collected and condensed into eau-de-vie using a still, and it is within this eau-de-vie that all the fragrances that give Calvados its flavor are found.
Where is the Calvados Domfrontais sub-region?
This sub-region covers parts of villages located predominantly in Orne, but also in Manche and Mayenne, around the city of Domfront. The soil here is damper and contains more granite, the climate is also similar to AOC Calvados, in that it is oceanic with rather stable temperatures. The Calvados Domfrontais sub-region is relatively small and only received AOC status at the end of 1997.
How many distillation methods are there in calvados?
There are two distillation methods permitted in the production of Calvados, although the method used is also dependent on the appellation.
What are the two types of orchards in Calvados?
Within the Calvados growing region, there are two types of orchards for both apples and pears, there are orchards growing high stem trees, and those growing low stem trees.
How many hectares are there in Calvados?
Within the Calvados department, there are three sub-regions which between them have Calvados orchards covering 7,500 hectares of land. Each of these sub-regions has its own appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) and set of rules by which Calvados must be produced in order to meet the requirements and bear the name. The three sub-regions are:
How many appellations are there in Calvados?
There are three appellations, or regions, in Calvados. When a region is listed on the label, this means that 100% of the calvados comes from that region.
When was Calvados founded?
The brand was established in 1825 by founder Pierre-Auguste Boulard. The calvados selections used for this bottling come from the Pays d’Auge area and range in age from 4-10 years of age.
What does it mean when a calvados is 100%?
When a region is listed on the label, this means that 100% of the calvados comes from that region. Calvados: This is the largest area, and it makes up the bulk of the production at 70%.
Where is Camut brandy made?
The Camut estate grows a staggering 800 types of apples on its bucolic property in the heart of the Pays d’Auge region of Calvados. This, and the maturation in large semi-full oak barrels, creates a spirit with surprising complexity and softness for a relatively young brandy. The Pays D’Auge AOC requires double distillation in copper pot stills, but the Camuts go a step further by using wood fire to power the still the old fashioned way.
Can you mix a vintage calvados?
For calvados you will see a mix of both age statements and the more traditional classifications such as VS, VSOP and XO. Age statements declare the minimum age in the bottle, but older calvados is allowed in the bottle. You will also come across vintage-dated calvados where the date the fruit was harvested is declared. However, blending several vintages is more commonly found. If you do purchase a vintage calvados, try to find a bottling date as well so you can determine its age.
Is calvados made of apples?
However, unlike cognac and armagnac which are made from grapes, calvados is made from apples (and sometimes pears). So cider or perry, not wine, is made and then distilled. But while there are just a few grapes allowed in cognac and armagnac production, there are over 200 varieties of cider apples allowed to be used in the whole of Calvados in addition to over 100 perry pears. Cider apples are generally classified as bitter, bittersweet, sweet and acidulous. A mixture of cider apples is generally desired to obtain a good balance in the resulting calvados.
What is a Calvados tour?
Calvados Tourism. “Calvados tourism” is an original way to explore Normandy. The lovely old distilleries are open to visitors enabling them to experience the culture of one of the loveliest regions of France.
Why do people add calvados to coffee?
At the end of the 19 th century, it was customary for workers and farmers to add a drop of Calvados to their morning coffee, to warm themselves up and summon the energy needed to work in often difficult conditions. This tradition gradually took hold in French popular culture.
What is a Café Calva?
At the end of the 19 th century, it was customary for workers and farmers to add a drop of Calvados to their morning coffee, to warm themselves up and summon the energy needed to work in often difficult conditions.
What is a calvados?
As you will learn in this guide, calvados is a brandy made by distilling apples that have been fermented into dry ci der. However, you’ll soon realise that it can also be made from pears in certain appellations!
Where is Calvados located?
However, it is surprisingly scattered rather than sprawling with pockets near Cherbourg in the north-west as well as a patch surrounding Neufchâtel in the east.
What is crème de calvados?
Crème de calvados is the result of combining 69% ABV AOC calvados that has been aged for at least two years with cream liqueur, sugar, and caramel. As Normandy is revered for the quality of its dairy, especially its heavy cream, crème de calvados is a combination of its celebrated heritage.
How is eau de vie extracted?
Its overall production regulations are similar to AOC calvados and the eau-de-vie is usually extracted via single with a continuous column still.
How many trees are there in a calvados orchard?
Firstly, calvados orchards come in two distinctive types. Firstly, you have “haute tige” orchards, which should have no more than 280 trees per hectare with 5 metres between each tree. The maximum yield is limited to an average 25 tonnes per hectare.
Why are apples so small in Calvados?
As the Calvados region has particular poor soil that’s strong in chalk and marl, it produces small apples. As a result, they are rich in flavour but their size and polyphenol content also deliver a greater quantity of tannins due to the larger ratio of skin.
How many types of apples are there in Calvados?
Although most regulated brandy is limited to just a few grape varieties, calvados enjoys the freedom of over 230 types of apples and 139 types of pears that are grown throughout Normandy.
Why do people drink calvados?
"People in Normandy used to drink Calvados during meals because it would renew your appetite.". "It's what we call a Trou Normand or 'Norman hole' because it creates a new hole in your belly!". Béjot adds.
Where is calvados made?
Like Champagne, Calvados has to be grown in a certain region in order to be called Calvados, and that region is Normandy in northern France. Calvados first lives as an apple cider, made by fermenting apples.
What happened to the production of calvados in Louis XIV?
As a result of Louis XIV's actions, investment and therefore production of Calvados stagnated while Cognac exports went through the roof.
How long does calvados last?
Calvados first lives as an apple cider, made by fermenting apples. It is then distilled and aged in oak casks, where it is required to remain for at least two years to be properly classified as Calvados under the AOC (appellation d'origine contrôlée).
How many bottles of calvados are produced in a year?
Indeed, the pair tells us that around six million bottles of Calvados are produced each year, compared to 200 million bottles of Cognac.
What are the names of the Cognac houses?
Rémy Martin, Hennessy, and Courvoisier are all Cognac houses with global notoriety.
What grapes are used in Cognac?
In order to abide by the AOC, Cognac must be made from 90% Ugni Blanc grapes (known as Trebbiano in Italy) and a small selection of others are allowed to make up the rest. Read more: This is the difference between Cognac and brandy, and 6 other things you didn't know about the grape-based drink.
Overview
Calvados often nicknamed Calva, is a brandy from Normandy in France, made from apples or pears, or from apples with pears.
History
Apple orchards and brewers are mentioned as far back as the 8th century by Charlemagne. The first known record of Norman distillation was made by squire Gilles de Gouberville in 1553, and the guild for cider distillation was created about 50 years later in 1606. In the 17th century, the traditional cider farms expanded, but taxation and prohibition of cider brandies were enforced elsewhere than Bri…
Production
Calvados is distilled from cider made from specially grown and selected apples, from over 200 named varieties. It is not uncommon for a calvados producer to use over 100 specific varieties of apples which are either sweet (such as the 'Rouge Duret' variety), tart (such as the 'Rambault' variety), or bitter (such as the 'Mettais', 'Saint Martin', 'Frequin', and 'Binet Rouge' varieties), the latter being i…
Double and single distillation
The appellation of AOC (appellation d'origine contrôlée) for calvados authorizes double distillation for all calvados, but it is required for the Calvados Pays d'Auge.
• Double distillation is carried out in a traditional alembic pot still, called either l'alambic à repasse or charentais
Producing regions and legal definitions
Like many French wines, calvados is governed by appellation contrôlée regulations. The three appellations for calvados are:
• The AOC calvados area includes all of the Calvados, Manche, and Orne departments and parts of Eure, Mayenne, Sarthe, and Eure-et-Loir.
• The more restrictive AOC calvados Pays d'Auge area is limited to the east end of the department of Calvados and a few adjoining districts.
Grades of quality
The age on the bottle refers to the youngest constituent of the blend. A blend is often composed of old and young calvados. Producers can also use the terms below to refer to the age.
• "VS", Trois étoiles ***, and Trois pommes must be at least two years old.
• Vieux or Réserve must be at least three years old.
Tasting
Calvados is the basis of the tradition of le trou Normand, or "the Norman hole". This is a small drink of calvados taken between courses in a very long meal, sometimes with apple or pear sorbet, supposedly to reawaken the appetite. Calvados can be served as an apéritif, blended in drinks, between meals, as a digestif, or with coffee. Well-made calvados should naturally be reminiscent of …
In the Canadian Forces
Calvados is the regimental drink of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, The Royal Regina Rifles, The Royal Canadian Hussars, Le Régiment de Hull, Le Régiment de Maisonneuve, and The Sherbrooke Hussars. The troops were given Calvados as the units passed through Normandy following the D-Day invasion. Known as le trou normand, it is normally taken between courses at a regimental dinner, or during a toast to remember fallen soldiers.