Cider Chat

413: Ancestral Methods in Cider Making


Listen Later

Is Ancestral Method different than Pet Nat?

This panel discussion on Ancestral Method was moderate by Nicole Leibon of LeNosse Knows consultation. She was joined by Yann Gilles, a French cider consultant, Levi Danielson of Oregon's RAW cider and David Carr of California's Raging Cider. This feature was was recorded at CiderCon 2024, the annual trade conference hosted by the American Cider Association.

(ltor) Nicole LeGrand Liebon, Yann Gilles, Levi Danielson, Dave Carr

The discussion centers around various aspects of cider production, specifically highlighting traditional cider-making methods like the "ancestral method.

Topics discuss on this panel

  • Cider Making Methods and Personal Backgrounds of each speaker
  • Ancestral Method of Cider Production
    • This traditional method of cider making is particularly prominent in Normandy and Brittany, France.
    • It involves a two-step fermentation process:
      • the first step is in tanks and the second in bottles, intentionally leaving both fermentations incomplete to retain some natural sugars and create a sparkling cider.
  • Technical Details in Cider Fermentation
    • Discussions delve into the technical specifics such as controlling yeast population, managing nitrogen levels in the must, and how these factors affect the cider's quality and character.
  • Influence of Environmental Factors
    • Various environmental factors like orchard age, apple variety, and climatic conditions impact the nitrogen content in apples, which in turn affects the cider's fermentation process
  • Cider Quality Control Techniques
    • Techniques like racking, filtration, and the use of centrifuges are explored to manage fermentation and ensure quality.
  • Packaging and Bottling Considerations
    • The choice of bottles, pressure management during second fermentation, and how these factors impact the safety and quality of the final cider product are discussed

  • Cider Tasting and Consumer Preferences
    • The session included a cider tasting, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer preferences and the impact of specific cider-making techniques on the flavor and appeal of the cider.
      • 2022 Cidre AOP Pays d'Auge Cuvée Réserve | Manoir de Grandouet (Normandy)
      • 2023 AW Cider Pet Nat | RAW Cider Company (Oregon)
      • 2020 Disco Nat, Metal House Cider (New York)
      • Jonathan & Liberty | Raging Cider & Mead Company (California)

Enjoy this detailed exploration highlights both the science and the art behind cider making, from orchard management to bottling and consumer satisfaction.

Contact info for Ancestral Methods Panel

  • Nicole LeGrand Liebon - @nicolegrandleibon - Vermont
  • Yann Giles - @yanngilles.cidre - France
  • Levi Danielson - RAW Cider - Oregon
  • David Carr - Raging Cider and Mead Company - Southern California

Mentions in this Cider Chat

  • PA Cider Fest - June 15, 2024
  • Who's been cross promoting cider #xpromotecider
    • Sidra Santiago artesanal sidreria - Craft cider. Heritage Chilean apples. In the heart of Santiago, Chile
  • French Cider Tour 2024 is Sold Out

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Cider ChatBy Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

85 ratings


More shows like Cider Chat

View all
Radiolab by WNYC Studios

Radiolab

43,818 Listeners

Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

Freakonomics Radio

32,236 Listeners

Fresh Air by NPR

Fresh Air

38,513 Listeners

The Tim Ferriss Show by Tim Ferriss: Bestselling Author, Human Guinea Pig

The Tim Ferriss Show

16,184 Listeners

The NPR Politics Podcast by NPR

The NPR Politics Podcast

26,032 Listeners

On the Media by WNYC Studios

On the Media

9,227 Listeners

In Our Time by BBC Radio 4

In Our Time

5,565 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

113,494 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,997 Listeners

Radio Atlantic by The Atlantic

Radio Atlantic

2,388 Listeners

Today, Explained by Vox

Today, Explained

10,339 Listeners

The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway by Vox Media Podcast Network

The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway

5,657 Listeners

Beyond Organic Wine by Beyond Organic Wine

Beyond Organic Wine

54 Listeners

The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

The Ezra Klein Show

16,556 Listeners

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart by Comedy Central

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

10,983 Listeners