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Pommeau

Everything there is to know about Pommeau de Normandie

Pommeau de Normandie is an alcoholic drink made from apple must and Calvados. Awarded AOC status in 1991, “Pommeau de Normandie” is Normandy’s answer to mistelle and is between 16 and 18% ABV. Served cold as an aperitif or used in cooking, pommeau has a complex bouquet reminicent of candied fruits and honey.

How pommeau is made

Pommeau is made by mixing three parts “moût de pommes” (unfermented apple juice) with one part calvados. This process is known as “mutage”. The addition of the spirit halts the fermentation of the juice.

The calvados used for mutage must have been aged in oak for at least twelve months and be at least 65% ABV. The alcohol in the calvados stops the apple juice from fermenting and creates a sweeter drink. Pommeau is then aged in oak barrels for at least 18 months.

The apple varieties used must have specific characteristics in order to be awarded the designation of “Pommeau de Normandie”. The mix must include at least 70% bitter and bitter-sweet varieties grown in the required geographical area.

The origins of
AOC Pommeau de Normandie

This alcoholic apple drink was first created by cider producers in Normandy several centuries ago. To preserve the flavour of juice from cider apples for several months, the cider makers came up with the idea of mixing it with calvados.

In the 1960s, several producers decided to highlight this little-known apple spirit, but it was still forbidden to sell it. It wasn’t until 1981 that cider mills were permitted to sell Pommeau de Normandie. In 1991, the drink was awarded AOC status.

A specific bottle with a distinctive apple logo was also created for pommeau to assist with marketing. This bottle is used by many producers so that consumers can more easily identify AOC “Pommeau de Normandie”.

How to serve Pommeau de Normandie

Sweet and fruity, pommeau is served cold, between 8 and 12°C, as an aperitif. It can be served in a wine or port glass. It can also be served in cocktails such as the famous “Normand”, which is made of Pommeau de Normandie, Calvados, orange juice and grenadine.

It goes very well with foie gras, melon and chocolate desserts. Pommeau de Normandie is used extensively in cooking for certain sauces or to flavour desserts.

Pommeau is a beautiful golden colour with a copper tinge. It has a rich aromatic range of notes that varies according to the terroir and the age of the liqueur. Its subtle flavours of cooked and candied fruits have subtle notes of prunes, cocoa and honey.

Excessive drinking is dangerous for your health. Drink in moderation.

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