Stoke Red is an apple of exceptional qualities which makes a fine single variety cider. The apples for this cider came from a 70-year-old orchard in Abbot's Leigh which produced a bountiful harvest in 2020. Made in the rural method to keep residual sugar which is then balanced by the high acid and full astringent tannins to give a beautifully poised drink. There is a light sparkle, with classic Stoke Red aromatics of roses, strawberries and cream, red apple. This drinks very well with fresh cheeses and with apple crumble, or afternoon tea. This is one of a pair of single variety Stoke Reds made by Wilding Cider in 2020 from two different terroirs.
Wilding Cider are orchard cider makers and farmers, based in Chew Magna, North Somerset. They grow mostly Somerset cider apple varieties in traditional orchards, managing them in a careful organic way. Fruit is picked from the ground in the old way, let mature and fully ripen before pressing, and then fermented gently and slowly with wild yeasts, no sulphites and plenty of time.
