An emblem of the Norman terroir, the art of producing Calvados has been a tradition that has been perpetuated since the 16th century. This sophisticated apple-based brandy (obtained by distilling from cider or pear cider) is renowned as one of the most complex and refined spirits.
As it ages, Calvados develops a range of notes and aromas that make up the richness of this drink and also Norman heritage.
Tasted all over the world, the different Norman Calvados each have a specificity that is acquired during their maturation in contact with the wood of the century-old oak barrels. Among them are three major families of Calvados: the AOC, the AOC Pays d'Auge and the AOC Domfrontais.
But the taste palette relative to Calvados is much wider and is composed of a multitude of nuances (or "bouquets") that vary according to the time of ageing or distillation. For example, the Millésime Calvados comes from a single distillation (in other words, it is not mixed with other productions). This allows the development of particular aromas that are highly sought after by connoisseurs of this drink.
A popular Norman legend tells that during the "Invincible Armada" in 1588, one of the ships of the Spanish fleet that crossed the English Channel sank and washed ashore on the Normandy coast. The name of this boat, the "San Salvador" was given to the rocks bordering the coast. Then over time, the word "Calvador" and then "Calvados" a term that became the name of the region in 1789 and then that of its famous apple alcohol.
It was only in 1942 that Calvados received the appellation of controlled origin (AOC), a way of preventing the Germans from requisitioning it during the occupation because they could not seize the classified alcohols.
During the Second World War, the need for alcohol was so high that quantity was preferred over quality. Thus, cider brandy producers distilled ciders that were too young, which gave rise to this so-called "Calva".
After the war, for example, there were hundreds of producers in Seine-Maritime, whereas today, as a result of regulations imposed by the Customs Administration and the AOC and AOR labels, there are only a few dozen distilleries in the region. This ensures a guarantee of quality and makes Calvados a noble and sought-after alcohol.
Auxane from Comme des Français
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