Calvados Vieille Reserve
A.O.C. Calvados du Pays d'Auge

Calvados Vieille Reserve (= "old reserve") has aged 4 years in oak barrels, with 25% of new oak.

Terroir

Clay and Oxfordian marl soil.

Varieties

80% of bittersweet apples
20% of acid apples

Harvesting

from September to November

Alcohol cont.

42 % vol.

---

Techniques used

The apples are mixed, crushed and pressed. The apple juice is fermented right out to give cider to be distilled. Double distillation is carried out 6 months after the fermentation has taken place. The first distillation gives the "petite eau" at 30% by volume and it is the second distillation, that of the "petite eau" which gives the Calvados.
Aging: Four years minimum. In toasted 400 l (88 imperial gallon) oak barrels, 25% of which are new. Bottled when ordered.

---

Tasting notes

Eyes: Gold color. Bright and clear.
Nose: Intense and soft. Notes of fresh oak, vanilla sugar and candied fruits.
Mouth: First sensation is sweet and soft with notes of fresh liquorice. Citrus notes at the end. Empty glass offers notes of vanilla, citrus, and hay.

---

(Read also: Tasting Calvados)

Suggestions

- Storage: very long, bottles upright without special precautions.
- As an Aperitif: on its own, over ice, or with a drop or two of water to let it release its aromas.
- For cooking: to flambé, and for sorbets and granités.
- As a digestive: drinking temperature 20-22°C (68 to 72°F).

---

Press comments

Wine Enthusiast: 94 pts
   "This complex, distinctive sipper is worth getting to know"
 

Bottle types: 70 cl - 50 cl - 35 cl