Amazing Calvados. What is it, knows not by hearsay every gourmet

Who has not heard of such a drink as calvados? What is it, probably everyone knows, at least, that it is made from apples. Especially popular was his Remarque, who made Calvados drink the heroes of the Triumphal Arch on almost every page of his work. Probably, after reading these inspirational lines, many people decided to try Calvados. What it is? In fact, it's apple brandy, obtained by distilling cider. A similar drink is produced in different parts of the world: Poland, Bulgaria, Italy, Germany, USA. But the classic is the French version of this alcoholic drink.

Favorite drink Remarque

Calvados of apples, like its relatives from grapes - champagne, cognac and armagnac, - was named after the locality where it is produced. There is a drink from the Norman department of Calvados, but it also occurs in both Brittany and Ile-de-France. However, the name may have other roots: once the ship of the Spanish "Invincible Armada" El Calvador ran aground off the coast of Normandy.

Approximately until 1914, the drink was known only in his homeland, even fewer people heard the word "Calvados". What is it, in Europe, told brave French soldiers. They called it a drink for brave guys and loved no less than grape. Produce it began in the sixteenth century because of the fact that the vineyards did not feel well here. But the northern climate was suitable for apple plantations. Therefore Normans made cider, which they then learned to distill.

For a long time, Calvados was considered a second-class drink, but in the forties the French government adopted a number of laws that improved its position in the alcoholic world. He got his own category - OAS, thanks to which not only the geographical production zones were established, but also apple varieties, the way of processing, the time of aging.

Calvados today

The preparation of Calvados is possible today from 48 varieties of apples, some of them were specially prepared for this case. Distillation of cider can be continuous (single) or double. A young drink reaches maturity in oak barrels, for the production of which only trees grown in France are used. It lasts for an average of ten years, although it can be longer. As a result, a wonderful drink comes out with a refined bouquet and an amber color, which is proudly called the "Normandy sun".

How to drink Calvados

Try Calvados personally. What is it - just an apple alcoholic drink or an unsurpassed masterpiece of winemaking? Every person has his own opinion. Today in France there are more than ten thousand of its kinds, and the companies that produce it are family enterprises. Professionals advise drinking calvados slowly, in small sips, stretching pleasure. About forty minutes will be needed for a connoisseur to drink one glass of this drink. Then you literally feel how warmth, peace and tranquility fill every cell of your body. But, as in the case of other alcoholic products, you need to know the measure.

Enjoy your meal!