La Folletière 2017

by Christoph Raffelt from 15.09.2018, Copyright Christoph Raffelt

Benoit Lesuffleur's family has been growing apples and pears in Normandy for several generations. For about 50 years, they have been selling the yield to large cider producers. Benoit Lesuffleur, just 30 years old, is a wine broker in Paris. Among others, he represents the Fourrier, Henri Germain and Champagne Tarlant houses in the Paris trade and in gastronomy. From Benoit Tarlant, his namesake, he knows very well how top champagne is produced, so he had the goal to vinify cider on this level, too. However, his family was strictly against it for years. But now he has convinced them. His ciders are actually produced according to the traditional method from twelve different sweet, sour and tannin-strong apple varieties. Of course, the work is done by hand, the 16 hectares of land are in conversion to organic or biodynamic cultivation, the apple juice is spontaneously fermented, and after blending the different varieties, the cider stays for twelve months. sur lattes.

A wide variety of apples grow on clayey flint soils in the village of La Follettière-Abenon. The blend consists of the following composition

25% Acid apples such as Rambeau, René Martin, etc.

50% Bittersweet apples such as Bedan, Binet Rouge, etc.

25% Bitter apples such as Domaines, Fréquin, etc.

In total, over 15 apple varieties find their way into this assemblage.

The harvest is done by hand, the fermentation spontaneously.

Bottled on 9.2.2018, disgorged on 28.7.2020.

Bright honey yellow, orange and golden reflections

The nose is characterised by bittersweet apples. The tart and sweet notes of yellow and red apples are on an equal level. Freshly squeezed apple juice springs to mind. Totally musty. Ripe quince and baked apple with marzipan also reveal themselves in the glass. Beeswax and green walnut resonate discreetly in the background. Rustic in a positive sense.

On the palate, it grabs hold skilfully and juicily. The rusticity is raised to a new, perfect level. The fruit is clearly visible and lives from a tart and sweet appearance. With a fine tannin, La Folletière provides tension and spice. The finish is dry in taste. The juiciness is already enormous with a mild use of acidity. Very well balanced. It almost has something of the pleasure of Riesling Kabinett. Best enjoyed unbridled.