(Pommeau de Normandie)
Pommeau is a French drink that combines unfermented apple juice (apple must) and apple brandy—traditionally, Calvados is used. The drink is officially classified as a mistelle, a blend of brandy and fruit juice. The production involves fermenting apple juice, adding Calvados, and allowing the combination to age and mellow in barrels.
Pommeau is a full-bodied and typically amber-colored beverage with a fruity character and complex notes reminiscent of ripe fruit, citruses, and nuts. On the palate, it displays stewed ripe fruit and toasted nuts. It is bottled at 17% ABV.
Although Normandy has a long tradition of adding brandy to apple ciders, the commercial production is relatively recent, and pommeau was awarded AOC status in 1991.
To classify as a protected regional product, the apples must come from the official Calvados area, and the blend must be oak-aged for at least 14 months. Pommeau is best enjoyed as an aperitif, but it also pairs well with pungent cheese, foie gras, and cholate or fruit desserts.
It should always be served well-chilled.
