La Folletière 2019

Wine Description for La Folletière 2019 by Lesuffleur

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, deep orange with amber-coloured reflexes and lively perlage – a visually impressive cider that showcases its extended bottle ageing of over three years.

Nose

Intense and multi-layered. The La Folletière presents itself this year with distinctly tart cider apple notes complete with skins, accompanied by rooibos, yeast and chalk. These are joined by undergrowth, ripe peach and a fascinating hint of Lambic – a complex aromatic world between orchard and cellar.

Palate

Here the true class of this cider reveals itself. It masterfully oscillates between silky charm and tart, cidery apple notes. The sweetness (approximately 40 g/l residual sugar) is perfectly integrated like a fine Mosel Kabinett – never intrusive. Ripe yellow and red apples, a touch of quince and greengage meet subtle notes of ginger and tobacco. The silky acidity and fine tannin structure provide structure, whilst the yeast contributes fluffiness. Substantial, sensual, juicy – magnificent drinking flow.

Finish

Persistent and threaded through with fine acidity, which maintains the balance between sweetness and tartness right to the end.

Terroir & Origin

From the home village of La Folletière-Abenon in Normandy. The soil consists of silt and brown flint over clay and flint with chalky bedrock – a mineral terroir that lends depth to the cider. The orchard was planted in 1996 by Benoit’s father with 700 half-standard trees per hectare.

Apple Varieties & Vinification

Cuvée from 15 apple varieties: 25% acid-rich apples (Rambeau, René Martin), 50% bittersweet varieties (Bedan, Binet Rouge) and 25% bitter-tannic apples (Mettais, Frèquin). Hand-selected apples, spontaneously fermented according to Méthode traditionnelle. Bottled March 2020, disgorged September 2023 – over 3.5 years on the lees.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Apple and bacon risotto, pork belly with apple and leek gratin, Tarte Tatin or hearty dishes in general featuring apples and pork.

Special Features

A cider of wine quality – Lesuffleur works with the precision of a Champagne producer. The extended yeast ageing and mineral terroir elevate this apple sparkling wine far above conventional ciders.