Eric Bordelet - Sydre Argelette 2023
The estate of Éric Bordelet, located in southern Normandy, is today an essential reference in the world of high gastronomy ciders and perries. A former sommelier who worked with the greatest houses, he took over the family orchards in 1992 and developed a wine-inspired approach, working with nearly thirty varieties of apples and pears on about twenty hectares cultivated biodynamically. The Sydre Argelette 2023 cuvée comes from very old apple trees, sometimes centuries old, rooted in schistous soils rich in stones, locally called "argelette." This ancient terroir, formed billions of years ago, gives the cider a rare mineral signature and great depth. This emblematic cuvée, often considered the "grand cru" of the estate, perfectly embodies Bordelet's demanding and parcel-specific vision.
In the cellar, fermentation is carried out according to natural and ancestral methods, respecting the fruit and without excessive intervention. The Sydre Argelette 2023 stands out with a complex aromatic profile blending ripe apple, citrus, spices, and a slightly stony touch. The palate is both lively and ample, with a very fine bubble reminiscent of the elegance of sparkling wines. The balance between acidity, body, and minerality gives a decidedly vinous, structured, and deep cider. The finish is long, saline, and precise, marked by the nobility of the terroir and the maturity of the fruit. It is a characterful cuvée, capable of evolving favorably in the cellar for several years.
Served between 8 and 10°C, it naturally finds its place at the table with gastronomic dishes, notably creamy sauces, noble products with spicy accents, or sweet and savory pairings. It also pairs well with Norman cheeses or desserts with buttery, vanilla, or spicy notes. Thanks to its structure and complexity, it goes far beyond the aperitif framework to establish itself as a true tasting cider. With a few years of aging, it will develop even deeper and more refined nuances, close to some great evolved white wines. Sydre Argelette 2023 thus asserts itself as an author cuvée, precise, elegant, and intensely expressive.
