Von Wiesen Obstschaumwein Apfel Brut (8.8% ABV, 750ml). This German cider comes from Bensheim, a small town just 50 kilometres south of where I live. The company specializes in all kinds of fruit ciders, from apples to pears to quinces. Their "Apfel Brut" is made from fresh regional apples, and bottled according to the traditional Champagne method. Which might help to explain why it's quite pricey. This bottle goes for €15 e.g.
Pours a clear, deep yellow gold with a small but persistent white head. Ripe and tart apples in the aroma, along with some white grapes and vinegar. Light body and fairly lively carbonation. Champagne white grape flavour on the palate, dry and quite sour, with apple skins and vinegar. The later is even more noticeable toward the finish, with a healthy dose of tannins. Grape and apple skins in the aftertaste.
What's notably absent is an apple-y fruitiness, it's closer to a champagne. So while it's obviously a high class product, it's not a product for me. 7/10.
Reviewed on 19 Nov 2023
