Jerome Forget Vinot & Cider Paysan

This Week's Wine Crush is Cider from Jérôme Forget in Normandy, France. 

Let’s talk about cider! Yes, we know it’s not wine, but these two bottles from Jérôme Forget are delightfully and distinctly crushable. Much attention has been given to the difference in grape varietals: tannins, acidity, structure and so forth (you’ve read our notes!), and, unsurprisingly, the same could all be said of cider. Of apples and pears. And if anyone could write an entire dissertation on these subtle, tasty differences, it would be Jérôme Forget of Ferme de l’Yonnière in Torchamp, France, nestled in the region of Normandy. But, if it’s cliff notes you’re after, we say: drink them and you’ll see what we mean. 

The Vinot perry (the name for cider made from pears) is made from three distinct varietals of pears: Vinot, Pomera, and Plant de blanc. It’s dry, fruity, with fine bubbles that occur naturally in the bottle. The Vinot and Pomera varieties lend the tangy, green fruit notes, while the Plant de blanc adds a dash of complexity. Completely unfiltered and with no added sulfur, this is a perry to pass around among friends (safely!)—delicious on its own and even better with some grilled seafood. 

The 2019 Cidre Paysan, is a thirst quenching everyday French cider. By that we mean: it’s made from 200 year old apple trees—Marie Ménard, Fréquin Rayé & Fréquin rouge—fruit the likes of which we don’t see here in the US. It’s hazy and citrusy, with just a touch of tart apple sweetness. Drink it at the beach. Drink it on a boat. Drink it with your love. It’s a perfect cider for transporting yourself somewhere you’re not: perhaps under an old oak tree on a grassy knoll in the French countryside. Look: there’s a little lamb frolicking. Here, have some cheese and crusty bread. Can you hear the salt air rustling the leaves? You get the picture; we’ll meet you there.