Domaine du Manoir de Montreuil Réserve
Calvados
Domaine de Montreuil // Calvados Pays d'Auge, France
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Cost
Manoir de Montreuil is a collaboration between legendary importer Charles Neal and veteran calvados producer Patrice Giard. The project uses apples from Giard's beautiful, cow-filled orchards in the Pays d'Auge which are distilled twice using a traditional Alembic still. Older varieties of apples are favored because of their complexity despite the fact that they don't produce as much juice -- it's truly a labor of love. The Montreuil label represents a more fruit-forward style than Giard's classic line. Charles blends a spirit with bright orchard tones that sit very nicely in a cocktail, but the calvados has enough finesse to enjoy on its own.
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ageNAS
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abv42.0
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CalvadosBrandy distilled from apples (pear is allowed and in some sub-regions, required) from a delimited region in northwest France. Must be aged a minimum of 2 years in oak. Minimum aging if labeled: Fine-2 years, Réserve-3 years, VSOP-4 years, Hors d’Age-6 years
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Cask TypeFrench oak
Tasting Notes
"This a great introduction to Normandy's proudest beverage: Calvados. Manoir de Montreuil's Reserve has succulent fresh apple character with a lingering finish of French vanilla and clover honey. At 42% there is a spirituous kick that harks to Calvados' rustic past, and the added alcohol gives the brandy some extra weight compared to others in this price range. Certainly there are more complex calvados out there, but as a beginner’s bottle, cocktail mixer, or simply great deal, it's hard to argue with the value."
Reviewed by
John Rankin