Manoir d’Apreval Calvados XO

Detailed Description

Manoir d’Apreval Calvados is crafted from a unique blend of organically grown apples. Lettelier chooses a selection of bitter and bitter-sweet apple varietals, which are rich in tannins and acidity and ultimately provide the calvados with its smooth flavor and full body. Once the apples are harvested and pressed into a tart juice, the fresh cider rests in vats for six to nine months as it completes natural fermentation. Next, the cider is twice distilled through a pot still in the traditional Pays d’Auge method and then immediately transferred into oak barrels for maturation. The tannins from the oak gives the calvados its warm color ‚Äî first golden, then amber as the calvados ages even longer ‚Äî and aromatic bouquet. Manoir d’Apreval Calvados XO is aged for a minimum of 15 years, resulting in a deep copper color.

Manoir d’Apreval Calvados XO Tasting Notes

Nose: Sweet aromas of baked apples, brown sugar, vanilla, pie crust and warm spices.

Palate: Notes of honey, caramel, vanilla, nougat and citrus on the palate.

Finish: A finish accented by touches of woody spices and candied nuts.

Distillery Information

Manoir d’Apreval is a family-owned calvados distillery situated in the French commune of Honfleur, which sits in Normandy’s “Pays d’Auge” region, made famous for its production of apples and Camembert cheese. Established at the beginning of the 20th century by Victor Revillon, Manoir d’Apreval has since been stewarded by three generations of Revillon women — Victor’s wife, his granddaughter, and now his great granddaughter, Agathe Lettelier.