Coquerel Calvados VSOP 70cl

Description

Coquerel Calvados VSOP

The story of Domaine du Coquerel (House Coquerel) begins in 1937, when René Gilbert founded the company. Located in Manoir du Coquerel, situated in Normandy - and within the area where AOC Calvados can be made.

Interesting fact: AOC stands for 'appellation d'origine contrôlée' (french for controlled designation of origin). This shows that a product is produced and processed in a particular area and using recognised, and traditional methods of production.

 The orchards the apples and pears come from are Coquerel's own, as well as those of other local fruit producers in their immediate vicinity - some of which have been supplying their fruit for decades. The natural methods used to produce the fruit ensure a proliferation of bees for the polination of the flowers, as well as cows and sheep grazing in the orchards. 

A blend of 40 different apples and pears, from 4 different families go into creating the perfect cider (the first stage in Calvados production). These 4 different families each impart a different quality - sharp, bitter sweet, sweet and bitter sharp. 

One the fruit juice has been naturally fermented to create cider - distillation occurs to create the clear, fresh and fruity eau-de-vie. This is then matured in French Oak Barrels - eventually creating the Calvados.

To achieve their VSOP designation the ageing process takes at least 4 years. The current owners grandfather initially created this blend - as "He wanted to create the perfect harmony between the freshness of the apple and the notes of sweet spices brought by the small French oak barrels"

This has a delicious aroma of cooked apples, and a hint of peppery spice to it. On the palate the apple come through, but are joined by rich candied fruit as well as sweet spices. It finishes well rounded, lingering in the palate with hints of dried fruits. 

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Perfect Serve

Easily enjoyed simply on its own, it also makes a delicious longer drink when mixed with tonic, or ginger beer (a Normand Mule).

To create Coqueurel's 'Normand Mule Cocktail', take a mule mug (or large glass) and fill with ice. Add 60ml of the Calvados, and 120ml of Fentimans Ginger Beer & Muddled Lime (or 120ml of Ginger Beer and 10ml of Lime Juice). Stir gently, and garnish with a thin slice each of apple and lime.