Naughton Lanthorn cider apple cider
Lanthorn apple cider is a stunning sparkling medium dry cider that could draw glares of envy from champagne. With complex notes moving from fruit to nutty and brioche, this cider is more than capable of turning wine lovers into cider advocates.
Lanthorn cider at glance
- Region: Balmerino, Fife, Scotland
- Alcohol: 7%
- Style: sparkling, semi-dry
- Vintage: n/a
- Apple varieties: blend including Dabinett, Stoke Red, Harry Masters Jersey, Black Dabinett, Browns and Major
Tasting Notes
- See: intense golden with elements of orange, lightly hazy, marked signs of carbonation; sediments in at the bottom of the bottle and along the rim of the bottle neck
- Smell: fresh and tart; citrus notes, grapefruit and orange, gooseberries – very wine like, reminiscent of Champagne; gorgeous oak notes, almost nutty with traces of yeast
- Taste: medium dry, gentle acidity and medium tannins; juicy and crisp; with bitter orange notes. Bubbles are gentle and linger long on the palate.
Notes from the producers
Sitting up above the main orchard, now masked in trees, is the Flagstaff wood. An ancient high point that was used to signal across to Dundee by raising flags and lighting a Lanthorn. It now acts as a backdrop and important windbreak to the orchard sitting at its feet.
A blend of handpicked cider apples including Dabinett, Stoke Red, Harry Masters Jersey, Black Dabinett, Browns and Major. Fermented and finished in oak to create a fruity cider with the perfect balance of tannin, texture and acidity.
Personal Notes on Lanthorn cider apple cider
This is a cider that you can bring to that Champagne-loving friend who has not yet learned what a marvel cider is.
As soon as you sniff Lanthorn cider apple cider, the comparison to champagne style wines is immediately apparent, but with the addition of some vibrant citrus fruits that give it a uniquely different flavour palate.
To the palate it is moussy, lively and refreshing despite a solid 7% ABV. Lanthorn is a rich medium to full body cider, but with the vibrant personality of a refined sparkling wine. Strong fruity notes occupy the palate at first, but they soon leave space to a long finish made of oak nutty notes and gentle bread yeast.
With their experience in method Champenoise, Naughton cidery has created a remarkable product, elevating a cider to a new level. Through the use of the Traditional method, and the adoption of oak barrels previously used to make Champagne, Naughton infuses a very clear wine profile to this cider, elevating it from merely delicious to elegantly distinguished.
Food pairing
Inspired by some of the most famous pairing recommendations for Champagne, Lanthorn cider apple cider can be accompanied by seafood dishes, especially delicate scallops or shrimps. Try it also with creamy garlic chicken or with a delicate cheese board (Brillat-Savarin, Brie, Camembert).
