Keeving
This is the term for the process used to make Keeved Cider, in most cases a naturally sweet sparkling drink.The methodology we use is described below.
Sorting and Washing
The apples are are harvested from September to December. We choose mainly low acid bittersweets in our keeved cider. The apples are handpicked from our orchard and then washed and sorted ready for milling.
Maceration and Cuvage
Once washed the apples need to be milled and then given a period of cuvage in containers. This allows more of the pectins to be released into the juice and oxidation of the tannins to giver deeper richer colour.
Pressing
The macerated pulp is then pressed using the tradional rack and cloth method. This gives us more control than the more modern belt press would allow.
The Chapeau Brun
Once the juice is in a fermentation container an enzyme called Pectin Methyl Esterase (PME) is added. After a period of time a salt is subsequently added, and a pectin gel should form in the next 12-24 hours. A slow 'wild' yeast fermentation starts and over the period of the next few days the gel is forced to the top and appears as the 'chapeau brun' or brown hat. The French refer to this process as defecation!
Racking
Now that the Chapeau brun has formed and is compacted at the top of the tank the clear must can be racked into a new fermentation tank.
Patience
The fermentation may proceed very slowly, so we have to wait until the sugar level in the must is low enough for us to bottle. This usually takes four or five months. After a final rack we bottle our cider into Champagne bottles. Once corked we leave for another period of maturation, usually about six months. Our bottle conditioned cider is finally ready to be drunk.
Cidre Bouché
Our keeved cider is lightly sparking with a lovely apple aroma and caramel notes. We enjoy ours chilled as an aperitif, however it's honeyed sweetness especially complement the richness and saltiness of blue cheeses.
This year 2025 our Cidre Bouché was judged Reserve Champion and Best in Class at the British Cider Championships.
