- Feature
Summer ciders
Our drinks expert picks three serious ciders for smart summer sipping
Mid-strength wine may be having a moment, but artisan cider has been bossing the four-to-nine-per-cent drinks scene for a while.
Brimming with complexity and posh enough to justify a wine glass, these artisan summer ciders can seamlessly replace wine as a great match with food, and are fantastic for quaffing under blue skies.
Typically, artisan cider is made in small batches and with 100 per cent apples. That might sound obvious, but the legal minimum apple content for British cider is just 35 per cent.
As well as going the full apple, these producers add extra flavour by adopting techniques such as skin contact, using native yeasts, and introducing other fruits into the mix. The result is cider layered with tastes that reflect the terroir and are worthy of any wine comparison.
Ripe Skawen 2023, Cornwall (6.2%)
Georgie and Cameron make cider the unplugged way, with only one piece of equipment that uses electricity. Their Ripe Skawen is a still, dry cider that’s wild fermented with apples (including Cornish heritage varieties) from an ancient orchard on a saltwater estuary.
The captivating aromas of white blossom and banana chips are followed by a sour yet succulent grapefruit zing on the palate – a tasty contrast to the moreish salty finish. Serve chilled with alfresco favourites such as gazpacho, grilled veggie skewers and crab California rolls.
£14/75cl
Pilton In Touch 4 2023, Somerset (4.5%)
Pilton is a small-batch producer keen on keeved ciders – an ancient method of making naturally sweetened cider. In Touch 4 features red and white grape skins – Pinot Noir and Bacchus – which are soaked in the fermenting cider.
It has ultra-juicy plump strawberry flavours with a light sweetness offset by very mild tannins, making it perfect for food. Serve chilled with small plates of charcuterie, mushroom arancini, or anything dusted in dukkah.
£10.99/75cl
Sandridge Barton Cider 2021, Devon (6.5%)
More famous for its wines, Sandridge Barton’s first cider comes from orchards on its wine estate in south Devon. Mid-peach in colour, it’s lightly sparkling with raspberry leaf, floral and nutty aromas. The palate of sour pear and green apples combines nicely with gentle tannins. Serve chilled with summery fare like asparagus slathered in butter, seared scallops with lemon, or a salad of peach, mozzarella and prosciutto.
£13.50/75cl
Enjoyed our pick of summer ciders? More sipping inspiration here.
We choose the companies included in our curation features based on editorial integrity. Occasionally, some inclusions will be handpicked from clients with whom we have a commercial relationship.
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