Lesson 2 Cider and Perry Rural Heritage in a Bottle

Lesson 2: Cider and Perry

Lesson Overview

     

2.1 Introduction 2.2 Cider: definition and legislation governing its production 2.3 Cider apple varieties 2.4 Cider production 2.5 Cider evaluation and tasting 2.6 Perry Summary / Conclusion References

Lesson 2: Cider and Perry

Aims and Learning Outcomes of the Lesson On completion of this lesson the learner will be expected to be able to;

  

Describe the legislation, production process and the major types of ciders and Perry made worldwide.

Explain the principle characteristics of bitter, sharp and sweet apple varieties which contribute to making fine ciders Act on the knowledge and techniques involved in the evaluation and tasting of different ciders and Perry.

Lesson 2: Cider and Perry

2.1 Introduction

     Cider and Perry has been made for thousands of years; however it has only recently seen a significant rise in popularity. The cider and Perry market is one of the fasting growing segments of the drinks industry considered by many to be the preferred draught and bottled drink consumed by the young and old. Cider, though once a rural, seasonal drink has changed in terms of image and perception and is now nationally consumed throughout the year. The international market is now comprised of a range of high quality and well known brands which are produced in many flavours.

Today it can be confidently claimed that there is a Cider and Perry variety to meet every consumer requirement.

Cider from the apple to the bottle

Lesson 2: Cider and Perry

2.1 Introduction

(continued)

Historical Background of Cider

Pre Christian times and the middle ages

   The origins of Cider have been traced as far back as

pre Christian times

Later in

Christian times

monastic orders were considered to have made an important contribution to the development of orchards for the purpose of cider making. During the

Middle ages

cider was popular, particularly in rural areas.

Water supplies

in large towns were often

unreliable

tea and coffee were not, as yet known in Europe. As a result, alcohol, including cider was consumed by worker and master alike, as the process of brewing produced a beverage that was bacteria free and therefore

safe to drink

. and

Cider Artisans, brand demand

   In the beginning, cider was

brewed in modest amounts

but not by small tenants, who could not afford the large outlay and slow return from an orchard. Orchards were, therefore more commonly found on large farms and estates. Orchards, though sometimes smaller, were usually

14 to 21 acres.

During the

early part of the 20th century

, the manufacture of cider was considerable, with much of it produced for home consumption and more of it sold to the trade. Some orchard owners sold their cider under their own label and so, in this way, built up a demand for their particular brand.

Cider drinking in the USA

:    

Prior to prohibition (

1920) in the USA,

hard cider

was to America what table wine is to France. Farms, communities, meals, and food itself revolved around the drink's presence.

Changes brought about by the 20th century, however, meant that traditional cider mills and orchards didn't stand a chance.

Twenty years ago

America took European brewing traditions and created its own craft brewing industry, influenced predominantly by the

English ciders of Somerset

and the three counties, but without access to the same stocks of bittersweet, tannic cider apples, craft American ciders tend to be sparkling and served chilled.

True cider

, defined primarily by the production process, can be best restaurants as a perfect low-alcohol substitute for wine.

as complex as a glass of wine

and is served in Manhattans

Lesson 2: Cider and Perry

2.2

Cider: Definition and Legislation Governing its Production

          Cider is the

sweet juice of apples

vinegar making. that can be consumed as a beverage or used as a raw material in It is typically a

clear, golden drink

, which can range in colour from a

pale yellow to a dark amber

rose. It has a

fruity flavour and a varying degree 2 to 8.5 percent alcohol by volume

of taste from very sweet to tart ranging in alcohol content from or sometimes higher in traditional English ciders. Brown (1978) contends that when sugar or extra fruit has been added and a secondary fermentation increases the alcoholic strength, a cider is classified as

apple wine in the USA

.

Sweet cider

is the non-alcoholic versions of cider and it can be made into apple juice by pasteurizing it and adding preservatives to stop the natural fermentation process.

Hard cider

is the product that results when the juice is allowed to undergo fermentation. This cider contains alcohol. Additionally, it is often effervescent due to the activity of the natural yeasts present. Cider may be

made from any variety of apples

known as cider apples (NCAM, 2012). , but

certain cultivars grown

solely for use in cider are The

United Kingdom

has the highest per capita consumption of cider, as well as the largest cider-producing companies in the world (NCAM, 2012).

Cider is also popular and traditional

(Tasmania). in Ireland; France, Brittany (Chistr), Normandy (Cidre); Spain, Basque Country (Sagardo), Asturias (Sidra), Galicia (Sidra); Sweden; Germany (Rheinland Pfalz), Hessen (Frankfurt am Main), (Most, Viez or Apfelwein); Argentina, the provinces of (Río Negro, Mendoza), Australia

Pear cider

is used as an alternative name for Perry by some producers (Huddleston, 2008).

      

Lesson 2: Cider and Perry

2.2

Cider: Definition and Legislation Governing its Production

(continued) European Union: no common EU legislation

covering cider unlike for instance wine. The Association of the Cider and Fruit Wine Industries of the EU (L’Association des Industries des Cidres et Vins de fruits de l’U.E.),

AICV

, is an organisation of the producers with

members from 11 cider and fruit wine producing countries

within the EU. According to the Code of Practice set out by AICV, cider and perry are derived by the

fermentation of the juices of apples or pears respectively

without at any time adding distilled alcohol. Its alcoholic strength varies between

1.2% and 8.5%

by volume. The fortification of cider and perry by adding distilled alcohol is not permitted.

United Kingdon

: Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979 - Cider and wine production; in cider only 25% pear juice is allowed and in perry only 25% apple juice is allowed, colourings may only be used to produce cider or perry in the colour range straw/gold/golden brown, no limit for adding sugar or water preservatives are permitted according to the food legislation, liable to duty, when the alcohol content is between 1.2 and 8.5% vol. Above 8.5% it is considered wine. National Association of Cider Makers

(NACM),

accounts for more than 90% of the cider sales in Britain and have a clear code of practice similiar to AICV. (

chapter 2 – pp. 38-39) France: UNICID

(l’Union Nationale Interprofessionnelle Cidricole) distinguishes between the British and French spelling of the word: Cider is a drink obtained from fermented apple juice, sugar and water, whereas cidre is a drink fermented from apple juice or from a mixture of apples and pears. Addition of sugar or water to cidre is not allowed. Furthermore, they distinguish between the different forms of cidre

(chapter 2 – pp. 39-40).

Germany:

still cider between 5% and 7% ABV, the Sachsenhausen district of Frankfurt is almost entirely devoted to cider houses where the drink is taken neat, or diluted with water or orange juice, accompanied by local delicacy handkäse, a greasy, delicious cheese and onion concoction.

Sweden:

National Food Administration (Livsmedelsverket) defined rules for cider produced in Sweden for the Swedish market.

Denmark:

Danish Fruit Culture is a network of people interested in genuine fruit products among others traditional cider. Level 1: Strong cider which is a drink made by fermentation of apple juice. The juice can contain up to 25% pear juice, but not juice from other fruits. Sugar or concentrate can be added to the juice, but no other adjuncts are allowed. Strong cider can be still or sparkling and addition of carbon dioxide is allowed. Correction of the sweetness with sugar and apple juice or concentrate is allowed. It is not allowed. to add distilled alcohol, aroma or colourings. The end product must contain at least 85% fruit juice (fermented or not fermented). The alcohol content must be at least 2.0 and max. 8.5% vol.

Other Ciders of the World: (Chapter 2 – pp. 41-42)

Lesson 2: Cider and Perry

2.3 Cider Apple Varieties

Cider is made in various parts of

Europe and North America

from apple strains with which the average consumer is not familiar:

Somerset Redstreak, Medaille d'Or, Bulmer's Norman, Kingston Black and Dabinett, for example

. You won't find such popular eating apples as

Macintosh, Delicious, Granny Smith, Cortland

and the like in anything considered a fine cider.

Apple Varieties and Types

There are probably only

ten

or so varieties of

apples widely grown

for cider making. Cider is however traditionally made with one third each of

sweet, bittersweet, and sharp apples

. The principle characteristics of cider apples which

contribute to this classification are the content of phenolic compounds (tannins) and the acidity

; 

bittersweet apples,

contain more than 0.2% (w/v) of tannins and less than 0.45% (w/v) acidity (calculated as malic acid). 

sharp apples,

have less than 0.2% (w/v) tannins and greater than 0.45% (w/v) acidity; a subgroup of this classification, bittersharps, have the same range of acidity but have a tannin content of greater than 0.2% (w/v). 

sweet apples,

have less than 0.2% (w/v) tannins and less than 0.45% (w/v) acid.

Modern Cider Makers

Most modern cider makers and orchard managers making cider in the traditional manner will use one or more varieties of bittersweet apples. England, France, Ireland, USA and Spain are the major countries with true cider apple orchards. These apples are characterized by high acid and tannin levels, which make them, unfit for table fruit but give ciders distinctive flavours and body. Examples of

bittersweet varieties

which are chosen for varying maturation periods include; 

early croppers

: Nehou, Tremlett’s Bitter   

mid season maturing

: Michelin, Dabinett, Somerset, Red Streak, Harry Master’s Jersey

later maturing varieties

: brown snout, Vilberie, Reine des Pommes, Medaille d’Or, Yarlington Mill

other maturing varieties

: Breakwell Seedling, Chisel Jersey, Tardive Forrestier, Bulmer’s Norman.

Lesson 2: Cider and Perry

2.4 Cider Production

Cidermaking Process

          

The Harvest

: Cider apples become ripe and are harvested between the months of September and December. Manual collection by sacks, larger orchards are harvested mechanically;

Sweating:

the optional mellowing period, the apples are stored in a clean, odour free area, sometimes they are allowed to mellow and soften for about a week to ten days before grinding.

Washing and Quality Checking:

before milling, grinding, the apples will be weighted, checked for fruit type and quality and passed through a water bath to remove (leaves, twigs, harmful bacteria, insects and any spray residues), rotten apples will be removed at this stage.

Grinding:

grind, crush or mill the apples to a fine pulp to extract the maximum amount of juice. As apples are a hard fruit, slicing is necessary to facilitate juice extraction. This is done with high-speed rotary blades, which reduce the fruit to a pulp.

Pressing:

it is from this pulp that the juice must be extracted by pressure. After pressing is a substance known as pomace ( skins and solids of the apples, seeds which contain sugar, tannins, flavour and pectin) used for livestock feed, mixed one-to-four with other forage it aids animals digestions seedling stock, spreading pomace directly on the fields as a fertilizer produces or discourag growth of weeds.

Blending:

many varieties of apples can be used for a well-balanced finish cider, juices of aromatic, astringent, and acid-tart apples are added to a neutral or bland juice base until the mixture tastes right to the maker.

Fermentation:

in two stages the Vat House, the squeezed apple juice flows to a small vat and on its way passes through a series of filters. It is then pumped into a vat house for fermentation. The apple juice ferments for eight weeks often

Racking:

cider is siphoned off its lees the thick sediment that has settled at the bottom of the fermenting vessel – with a clean plastic tube into the second fermentation tank, into storage containers, or directly into bottles. Acid levels and alcohol content is tested and compared to pre-fermentation readings.

Filtering or Fining:

traditionalists like the natural slight haze in cider, others prefer it crystal clear. Racking off clears the cider considerably but filtering and fining will clarify it still further.

Maturation and Packaging:

the cider will mature slowly over a period of several months. Samples are then drawn off and laboratory tested for purity and alcohol content and afterwards put through several separate filtering processes. After chilling, further filtering and carbonating, the cider is then packaged and ready for distribution.

Lesson 2: Cider and Perry

2.5 Cider Evaluation and Tasting

 Cider tasting can be real fun and an

excellent event

for fun nights, themed evenings or a business tasting event. Deciphering the

still, sparkling, dry and sweet types

within the wonderful world of ‘Real’ cider by learning about how to taste and enjoy a hand picked selection of regional ciders can get you really excited about this wonderful traditional and ancient drink.

Cider tasting

   Like wine, cider can be judged by the sensual criterion of a tasting ritual. Tangy, spicy, refreshing, bittersweet, and fragrant are just five ways of describing cider.

Regardless of whatever commentary and glossary of terms that you decide to use, tasting cider is a physical process in which the senses of

sight, smell, taste

, hearing and touch make up the examination outline. The manner in which the cider is served clean,

elegant glasses

at the right

temperature

. Avoid cut crystal, Styrofoam cups or transparent plastic cups, use glass vessels with great depth.  Remember the

sweeter the cider the colder it must be served

,

drier ciders

room temperature,

ciders high in alcohol

may be served at should be served cold but not always ice cold.

Tasting and Evaluation Notes

 Cider tasting notes –

(chapter 2) pp. 47-48

 Evaluating cider –

pp. 47-48 Selection of Premium and Vintage Ciders.

Lesson 2: Cider and Perry

2.6 Perry

Definition:

‘Perry is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented pears’ (Huddleston, 2008)   This definition follows the code of practice for Perry set by l’Association des Industries des Cidres et Vins de fruits de L’U.E.

There is no common EU legislation covering Perry’s production, it can be produced from pears and possibly a limited volume of apples.   Perry is common for centuries in England (Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire), parts of south Wales, France (Normandy and Anjou). In recent years commercial Perry is been referred to as ‘pear cider’ by some producers and enjoyed in Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, USA. CAMRA don’t accept this name for this traditional drink.

The Pears Special pear cultivars are used:

in the UK the Blakeney Red is most common and produces top quality Perry.

Varieties:

There are 120 accepted varieties of Perry pear, distribution is localised, hence there is over 200 names used for varieties (Oliver, 2010). The plant grows very high, fruit will appear but is only worthwhile after year 10 (standards) and year 5 (on the bush).

Harvesting and preparation

     Harvesting from early September to December depending on the variety concerned and the year. Manual or machine picking process, handpicking is considered the best. Yields can vary dependent on tree maturity and season. Washing and milling (within 24 hours for early varieties like Moorcroft), others like Butt (stored off the ground on straw, kept cool sorted and sweated until mature.

Varieties high in tannin (i.e. Butt, Flakey Bark, Rock or Teddington Green) can be macerated to reduce the tannin levels in finished juice by 2/3 depending on degree of exposure to air (Oliver, 2010).

Types of Perry:

Still Perry / Bottle conditioned Perry / Bottle fermented Perry / Forced carbonation.

Labelling Perry:

differs from country to country, ingredients listed in descending order of weight, processing aids, sweetness levels – dry, medium, or sweet, whether it is still, bottle conditioned or bottle fermented or forced carbonation, strength, allergen advice, lot mark, storage conditions, usage instructions, wording required and defined by legislation. If single variety Perry, then the variety must be declared.

Lesson 2: Cider and Perry

Summary / Conclusion

       Cider has come a long way from over 300 year ago when it was referred to as the English Champagne through the last number of decades when it was the preferred drink for the over indulgent on street corners or parks. Today, cider's has been reborn, sales are on the rise especially amongst smaller producers using traditional methods and a higher apple juice content. Cider is best known as a great, refreshing summer drink and given how well it pairs with food; it's no surprise that the world’s most famous chefs are using ciders instead of spirits and liqueurs in their signature dishes. Cider is acidic and fruit based with a flavour ranging from dry to sweet like wine. The apple varieties available to the cider producer are as wide as the grape varieties available to the wine producer. Their work has helped bars to capitalise in bringing to their customers a wider range of ciders which express the land, the apple varieties and the rich traditions which surround cider. Perry is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented pears, 120 accepted varieties of Perry pear exist today, the main types and quality of Perry are still, conditioned, bottle fermented and forced carbonated. Draught still Perry can be filtered or pasteurised and packaged in various forms while conditioned and bottle fermented Perry is packed in heavy duty bottles with cork and wire tops.

Lesson 2: Cider and Perry

References

        AICV (L’Association des Industries des Cidres et Vins de Fruits de l’U.E).

Brown, S, C. (1978) "Wines & beers of old New England ’. UPNE. [accessed 29th July 2011].

Lea, A. (2010)

Craft Cider Making

, Good Life Press: UK. CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale Association). Oliver, T. (2010) The Three Countries and Welsh Marches Perry presiduem Protocol, available www.theolivers.org.uk/SFPP_Protocol.pdf

[accessed 1/04/13].

NACM (2012) National Association of Cider Makers, available www.cideruk.com [accessed 12th June 2012]. Huddleston, N. (2008)’Pear Perception’.

Morning Advertiser

, [accessed 1st May 2009]. Murphy, J. (2013) Principles and Practices of Bar and Beverage Management – The Drinks Handbook, Goodfellow Publishing Ltd, Oxford: England .

Web resources

     www.chm.bris.ac.uk/cidermaking.htm

Cider making.

http://www.pomona.dk/SBR2006_02_Cider.pdf

http://www.real-cider.co.uk/london-cider-tour/ Cider definitions for the EU. London cider tours. http://www.real-cider.co.uk/north-american-cider-map/ http://www.real-cider.co.uk/the-worlds-best-cider-boards/ American cider map. UK cider menu boards.