Tastings are on offer to introduce you to the nuances of cider. As with wine, differences in terroir influence the taste of cider. Most people know that freezing is essential to the character of ice cider, but there are other factors too, such as sunlight exposure and soil composition. To help you make the most of your tour, look through the following tasting guide to get your taste buds working. Cheers!
Connoisseur’s guide: 5 types of Quebec cider
Still, sparkling, rosé, ice, fire. There’s a cider for everyone and every occasion.
1. Ice cider
You don’t have to like Quebec winters to enjoy this unique product: since ice cider is made from frozen apples, sugar is more highly concentrated in the fruit and the juice. The must from these apples is fermented for several months, a lengthy process that results in a fine balance between acidity and sweetness. This 100% Quebec product is exported to some 50 countries. It is perfect with dessert, and also pairs well with cheese because of its fruit-forward flavours. Look for ice ciders with the Quebec Ice Cider Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) logo on the label, which guarantees a superior product. Alcohol content varies from 7% to 13%. Serve it to guests in a dessert wine glass.
2. Still cider
Non-sparkling cider is supple and fresh. It can be served instead of white wine with meals or used in recipes. Its soft and fruity notes pair well with pork, fish and shellfish. It makes an excellent sangria for serving among friends as an aperitif. Still cider is made from apples picked when they are fully ripe; its alcohol content can range from 1.5% to 15%. A wine glass is perfect for still cider.
3. Sparkling cider
Whenever you feel the need for bubbly, sparkling cider, whether carbonated or naturally effervescent, is just what the doctor ordered for celebrating your special events, big or small. It’s also ideal in a mimosa for brunch, or as a key ingredient in a variety of cocktails. The alcohol content of sparkling cider can range from 2% to 12%. It is at its most elegant in a champagne flute.
4. Fire cider
Fire cider, which is more like a liqueur, is known for its warmth, which comes from a high concentration of sugar further accentuated by evaporation. This amber nectar suggests caramel, and cooked and fresh apples. Alcohol content varies from 9% to 15%.
5. Rosé cider
Makes all kinds of events more colourful! Rosé ciders, whether still, sparkling or ice, range in colour from pale pink to cranberry and strawberry. They owe their colour to red-fleshed apple varieties or crabapple peels.
