The Champagne of Ciders
TJ Shirk • June 29, 2021
A review of Kew Vineyards North Cider - Brut
For those familiar with Ontario’s Niagara Wine region, Beamsville Ontario and the Beamsville Bench VQA sub appellation, you are probably familiar with the large variety of high quality wines from Kew Vineyards Estate Winery. Did you know they also produce high quality, elegant sparkling ciders? Until recently, I did not.
Kew Vineyards currently produces two Normandy style ciders, made in the traditional method. One is a Brut and the other is a Wild ferment. I discovered they had these ciders while I was shopping for wine on their website and decided to give them a try. In this article I will be reviewing the Kew Vineyards North Cider - Brut.
As mentioned before, this cider is made in the traditional method; meaning the cider goes through a second fermentation in the bottle to produce the carbonation just like a fine Champagne or sparkling wine. Brut means Champagne yeast is added for fermentation, providing a further depth of flavour and a more balanced mouth feel and dry finish. This brut cider is made from 100% Ontario Northern Spy apples.
My first impression with the brut cider was with the simple and elegant packaging. A standard 750mL champagne bottle clad in a yellow/orange label and sealed with an exposed cork and cage.
In the glass the cider is pale gold in colour and highly effervescent. Aromas of apple, lemon peel, and Melba toast dominate. There is a subtle minerality as well. Almost like the sulfur from wooden matches.
On the palate the cider is very dry and balanced. Tiny bubbles tickle the tongue in a long, flavourful finish. It is hard to believe this is not a high end Ontario sparkling wine!
I give the Kew Vineyards North Cider - Brut 9/10!
I believe this cider could easily fill in where a sparkling wine could be served, and at $12.95 it’s great for the wallet. Bottled at 7% ABV it provides a slightly lower alcohol level than a sparkling wine, a great option for Sunday brunch or an afternoon picnic of assorted charcuterie.
Get this cider, as well as a great selection of wines from the winery or online at kewvineyards.com
This cider was purchased before reviewing. This is not an advertisement for Kew Vineyards or it's products.