ciders

Methode Champenoise, 750mL, $32/bottle

10% Alc. by Vol.

Dabinett, Blue Pearmain, Golden Russet, and Yarlington Mill apples hand forged from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, slow fermented, barrel aged, bottle conditioned, racked, riddled, and disgorged in the traditional method.

Delta Gold is a blend of classic English bittersweet apples and American heirloom varietals selected specifically for their contributions in producing an excellent, full bodied, vintage quality cider. The two varietals primarily responsible for depth of flavor, length, body and nose of this blend are the Dabinett and Golden Russet apples.

The Dabinett is a classic English cider apple, first discovered in Somerset, England, in the early 20th  century and related to the Chisel Jersey. It produces a very high-quality juice with a bright, floral aroma. The tannins found in the flesh of these apples are the same substance found on the skin of wine grapes, which affects the flavor and acts as a stabilizer and natural preservative in both wine and cider. This particular apple is high in tannin and low in acid, which creates a bitter, sharp, astringent taste on the palate.

The origins of Golden Russet are not clear but it was discovered in New York State between the years 1800 and 1849. The most likely history of this American Golden Russet is that it originated from pips of the English Russet which were widely grown by settlers from England along the Atlantic seaboard of what has since become America. Golden Russet was prized as the “champagne” of old-time cider apples

Tasting Note:  Flavors & aromas are very complex and well defined showing distinct layers from drying flowers and herbs (lemon verbena, chamomile, fennel fronds, rose petals, and lychee nut) at the fore, followed by a round waxiness reminiscent of beeswax on the nose and honeycomb on the palate.  A complex nuttiness of browned butter and saline richness, like that of Castelvetrano olives.  Acidity is high but soft, comparable to crème frâche or yogurt and textures again creamy with very small persistent bubbles and a beautiful saffron- tinged gold color.