Troddenvale House Cider (750ml)

Fruit: 30% Harrison, 20% Wickson, 16% Ashmead’s Kernel, 12% Virginia Hewe’s, 8% black Twig, 4% Albemarle Pippin, 4% Dabinett, 3% Trimlett’s Bitter, 3% Ribston Pippin

Sites: Countryside Farm & Nursery - Crimora, Augusta County, Virginia 1260’ elevation
Foggy Ridge Cider Orchard - Dugspur, Carroll County, Virginia 2720’ elevation
Silver Creek Orchard - Tyro, Nelson County, Virginia 1060’ elevation

Vinification : Most fruit in this blend was pressed directly to barrel between September and November with later season varieties seeing extended sweating upwards of a month. Some varietals including Harrison and Ashmead’s Kernel saw limited maceration before pressing. Upon completing an uninoculated, native primary fermentation, select barrels saw a reinvigoration of their lees by weekly Bâtonnage. Barrels were left undisturbed during the spring and summer until racked off gross/fine lees and blended in the end of July of 2021. Bottled sparkling via traditional method and rested for an additional nine months undisgorged before its release. No additions of SO2 were made at any stage of this wine.

Notes: Many people ask what is our most consistent cider year to year. Throwing subjective consideration out the door, the House seems to be the logical answer. The key varietals and their respective growers wavers little year to year. The goal of making this cider is to provide a consistent satisfaction while translating our state of Virginia as best as we can. That being said, the nuances of vintage to vintage are there and this year’s might stand out more than others. Yes, its hallmark citrusy, zesty profile is unmistakable but this year it is more tannically pithy, a touch tighter, and a little less textural. Up front subtle reduction keeps the fruit tight. With oxygen, gooseberry fruit and a lovely little white floral quality, somewhere between Autumn Clematis and orange blossom begins to show. The heavier percentage of crab apples certainly contributes to this and makes this year’s House one of the more precise and beautiful in years.