A fine and hearty apple brandy from the edge of the Pays d'Auge, south-east of Caen. The estate has been in organic production since 1965 (when I was still in short trousers). Using a blend of fifteen ancient varieties of Normandy cooking, dessert and cider apples, Jean Pitrou produces high quality Calvados VSOP, with a minimum age of 5 years. Ageing takes place in large oak barrels - giving rise to a naturally deep amber colour, softly oaky flavour and a firm, well-balanced style with typically rich and lingering apple character. Delicious as an aperitif, digestive, or as a versatile ingredient in sweet and savoury cuisine.

The soil of coastal Normandy, especially the Pays d?Auge, produces the tannic cider apples that make Calvados one of the world?s great brandies. Michael Jackson, THE OBSERVER.

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