Reinette Russet is our new favourite Russet.
First described in Normandy France in 1771, Reinette Russets have that funky fresh glow we're all vibing on these days.
What's it like? Reinette Russet is cider, but drinks like a wine. The aroma is classic russet-skin nuttiness. The flavour is in the world of a gentle orange wine, if you made it with Starfruit instead of grapes. Citrus, salt and fallow earth sing together on your tongue. Easy acid and light, chalky tannins round it all out.
It's in the world of the famous French cidre Coat Albret if you've had it, without the sweetness.
Reinette Russet was bottle fermented this year for natural bubbles. It's highly carbonated, so be sure to get it cold before opening.
Reinette Russet gave us a tiny crop last year, so we made only 16 cases of this vintage.
7.7% ABV | 750mL
Ingredients: Reinette Russet apples. Gluten free.
Wild ferment. Zero added sugar. Vegan.
Fermentation. noun
1. The metamorphosis of fruit.
Reinette Russet is a rare russet apple variety. And I absolutely love how it changes after fermentation.
Russeting draws moisture out of the apples—so russet ciders tend to have concentrated flavours, giving them a wine-like feel.
As fruit, Reinette tastes similar to the more common Golden Russet. But they become completely different ciders after fermentation.
Reinette Russet takes on a textural, chalky note, putting it somewhere in between a bright lager and a fresh, easy orange wine. I love it because it's so rich, low acid (rare from us!) and such a unique apple experience.
Varietal: Reinette Russet
Vintage: 2021
Alcohol: 7.7%
Orchard: Twin Pines Orchard, in Thedford Ontario. They're a conventional orchard, with temperatures moderated by close proximity to Lake Huron. Everything they grow is hand-picked and hand sorted.
Vinification: The apples were aged cold for months after picking, and pressed in January of 2022. Ageing apples releases moisture, concentrating flavours. Wild fermented with native yeast, and aged on lees for 3 months. Bottle fermented for natural bubbles. Highly sparkling. Unfined, unfiltered.
Serving Temp: Well chilled (1-2C). Reinette Russet has Champagne level bubbles from bottle fermentation, so chill it well and open with glasses at the ready.
