Cotentin cider makers | Tourism in Cotentin

Craft activity par excellence, Cotentin ciders benefit from the Cotentin Cider Protected Designation of Origin and can be found on good restaurants as well as in delicatessens or for sale directly from the producer.

It is characterized by its bitterness due to the subtle blend of apples from Cotentin orchards. We then obtain a full-bodied cider, rather crude, even extra brut, which goes deliciously well with Norman gastronomy. Local producers have strived to preserve their terroir and their know-how to produce a quality product.

Some of the cider makers offer guided tours to discover the production process, from harvesting to bottling. The visits always end with a tasting of cider products such as calvados, pommeau, cider or apple juice…

Note the possibility of witnessing live the distillation of the cider which will become eau de vie, after its passage through the column still.

After its classification as a Controlled Designation of Origin (AOC) in October 2016, the European Commission granted Cotentin Cider the Protected Designation of Origin in June 2018.

Dominique Hutin makes wine jealous of cider

He knows the temptation of the apple better than anyone.

Blue eyes and messy hair that highlight his fragile and caring smile. Dominique Hutin, a journalist specializing in oenology, has become over the years one of the most ardent defenders of the landscapes and products of the Manche region, and more particularly of the Cotentin. He had passed there the first time by chance with a friend: “In an instant, there was nothing left to do: I was stung!” And then, ten years ago, he took the plunge, coming to settle in Agon-Coutainville.

But his love at first sight for the region does not stop there. Like all great enthusiasts, he feels the insatiable need to share his love! “Every time I can talk about this territory in the media, I do it…” And for this, he found a fabulous ambassador: cider! “For a long time it was considered a somewhat muddy product! It was high time to put an end to this! ”.

So, from 1995, Dominique did everything he could to ensure that everyone, producers, journalists, restaurateurs and especially consumers, began to look at cider differently.

And straight away I felt that something was happening… I organized a cider tasting in Paris. I had more requests than for tastings in Saint-Emilion! That's when I understood that there was a wait and therefore a lot of things to do: we had to shake up the labels, adopt new bottle formats. And then change the codes. Some have discovered that cider can be kept. That there were vintages, like in wine!

Dominique Hutin / “We’re going to taste” columnist on France Inter

So many elements which open up incredibly stimulating perspectives… Moreover, the specialists are not mistaken. They have just recognized Cotentin cider with the AOC designation. The quality of the producers' work is finally recognized. Meanwhile, Dominique discreetly stepped back, like a director who, in the shadows, sincerely rejoices at the ovation the actors receive.