Cider, a beverage as old as the hills, has undergone a remarkable renaissance in recent years. Once the simple, sweet drink of choice in rural taverns, cider has ascended to the heights of chic gastropubs and fine dining establishments worldwide, its variety and complexity rivalling that of more esteemed alcoholic beverages like wine and beer. The world of cider is as nuanced as it is delicious, with its roots deeply planted in the orchards of history.
This effervescent drink is made from the fermentation of apple juice, a process that converts the fruit's natural sugars into alcohol. While apples are the core ingredient, the variety and method of cultivation greatly influence the cider's final taste. From the bittersweet apples of England's West Country to the sharp varieties grown in the orchards of Normandy and Brittany in France and onto the dessert apples of the United States' Pacific Northwest, cider is as diverse as the regions that produce it.
Historically, cider has held a place in the hearts of many cultures. In England, it was a staple of farmworkers' diets, the apple orchards providing both sustenance and refreshment. It is said that when the water was too risky to drink due to contamination, cider was the safer choice, consumed by everyone from young to old. In America, cider was equally popular until the Prohibition era put a damper on its production, a setback from which it is only now fully recovering.
In terms of production, the process of making cider is as simple or as complex as a producer wishes it to be. The basic steps include harvesting ripe, quality apples, grinding them into a pulp, and pressing this pulp to extract the juice. What follows is the fermentation stage, where the juice is left to ferment, either through the action of wild yeasts present in the environment or with the addition of cultured yeasts. The fermentation can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the desired end product.
Once fermentation is complete, the cider may be filtered and refined. Some ciders are left still, while others are carbonated to give them a lively effervescence. The cider can be bottled young or left to mature, developing deeper flavours over time. The most artisanal of ciders might age in oak barrels, gathering tannins and a rich complexity from the wood.
Modern cider makers have experimented with a range of apple varieties, yeasts, and production techniques, including co-fermentation with other fruits or even hops, creating an astonishing spectrum of ciders from the intensely dry to the dessert-like sweet, from still and refined to sparkling and zesty. The modern cider scene is both a nod to tradition and a foray into innovation, with craft cideries leading the charge in creativity.
In terms of consumption, cider enjoys popularity across a broad demographic. It's enjoyed chilled on a warm summer's day, served in a frosty glass, or savoured by the fireside in winter, perhaps mulled with spices. It pairs wonderfully with food, its acidity and sweetness offering a counterpoint to rich and savoury dishes.
Regionally, the character of cider varies greatly. The UK is famed for its wide variety of traditional ciders, ranging from the cloudy and robust scrumpies of Somerset to the refined, champagne-like ciders of Herefordshire. French ciders, often from Normandy or Brittany, tend to be more genteel, with a delicate fizz and a balanced sweetness, traditionally served in wide-brimmed bowls to appreciate their aroma. In the US and Canada, cider is experiencing a craft revolution, with producers exploring local apple varieties and pushing the boundaries of flavour.
One cannot discuss cider without acknowledging the community and culture that it fosters. Cider festivals, tastings, and tours are common in regions with a strong cider-making heritage. These events serve as both a celebration and an education, an opportunity to learn about the local apple varieties the history of cider-making, and to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.
Environmental sustainability is another significant aspect of cider production. Many cideries operate on a principle of ecological stewardship, managing their orchards without harmful pesticides and fertilising naturally. This not only ensures the health of the ecosystem but also maintains the integrity of the apples and, by extension, the cider itself.