Le Pere Jules is not a beer. It's a French appellation controlled 'Cidre' from Normandy. Last Tuesday night Graham, Adrian ('Cider is the new Beer' Facebook group founder), and myself tried out a bottle of the 2008 vintage Brut. Graham had tried the 2006 before and I had some hazy memories of tasting some in a cafe in Monmatre back in 2006. We both agreed it had a distinct blue cheese note and briefly discussed bringing in some nice baguettes etc but ended up shelving that idea.
This was the first time any of us had tasted the 2008 vintage and both Graham and I recalled the blue cheese note being a lot more distinct. Graham suggested that it may well develop over time. None the less we all enjoyed it and agreed that baguettes and some Camembert would have been an excellent accompaniment.
I deferred to Graham for the verdict and the lingo on bouquet and finish and he summed it up thusly. The cider is fresh on the palette with the sweetness well supported by a light sparkle. The finish is short, not making it unpleasant to drink on it's own, but confirming that it is well suited to the creaminess of a Camembert (we checked with a food and wine guide).
Adrian chimed in at this point saying it fell into the eating cider category. The only other category being the drinking or quaffing cider. We all agreed.
Graham suggested we organise another tasting accompanied by baguettes and cheese. He thinks we should try the Cidrerie Anneville - Cider Doux made with Binet Rouge (red lady) apples. This one is also from Normandy and has been similarly described as having fresh sweetness with small bubbles. It has an even lower 2% alcohol.
I think this one will go well with a Livarot cheese also from Normandy which is quite stinky but very creamy and a little spicy and is recognised as one of the forebears of Camembert. I'll be buying the baguettes at Banneton wood fired bakery and the Livarot from Black Pearl Epicure.
All in all I'm very glad to have had this opportunity which is somewhat of a coupe for Cider and very much look forward to properly pairing it up with food.
If this has piqued your interest in cider you might like to check out the Cider is the new Beer! blog and follow the goings on in the cider world.
