3-Star Cider: World Class Elegance
2013 Bordelet Sydre Argelette
There are a good amount of ciders that I really like, but none of them accomplish what Bordelet does.
The others offer a rustic charm. Bordelet delivers something that recalls the inherent refinement and precision of Champagne.
This shouldn't come as any surprise. In the 1980’s, Éric Bordelet was at the helm of the wine program of famed Michelin star restaurant l’Arpège in Paris. Now, he’s one of the greatest producers of cider in all of Normandy.
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Bordelet’s ciders bring a new level of refinement, singularity and class to the category. But what we love most about them is their sheer deliciousness and undeniable drinkability.
Made from over twenty apple varieties, Bordelet’s Argelette is imbued with a brilliant amber hue and perfumed aromatics. The palate unfolds with impressive intensity - a whirlwind of honey, apples, citrus and minerality - that’s almost too easy to drink.
Many of the fundamentals of making world class wine apply deftly to producing great cider. Bordelet derives his fruit from ancient biodynamically farmed trees, some dating back 300 years. Like grapes from old vines, the apples grown in these orchards deliver unmatched complexity and astonishing depth. All of his fruit is handpicked and yields are kept extremely low, resulting in stunning concentration and layers upon layers of nuance.
In the early 90’s, Bordelet left his post as sommelier to return to his native Normandy and revive his family’s Château de Hauteville. He now produces six superb cuvées of pear and apple ciders. Argelette - named for the stony soil and schist in his orchards - is Bordelet’s most age-worthy. You’d be hard pressed to find a cider that evolves in the cellar with as much elegance and grace.
It’s impossible to overstate the impressive quality and utter deliciousness of the Argelette. The off-dry style accentuates its versatility at the table, making it an ideal pairing for an array of foods. This is a cider you’ll want on hand now, while stashing away some bottles for later. With this in mind, we strongly suggest you stock up.
To order, please email us at offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits
2013 Bordelet Sydre Argelette