What Wine Lovers Will Love About Real Cider
If you’re a wine lover, you might look at cider and think it’s just a sweet, fizzy drink that doesn’t quite measure up to the depth, flavour and complexity of wine. And I have to admit that that used to be my thinking too. Over the years, the reputation of cider has been tainted by the mass produced products that market themselves as ‘Premium’ or ‘Craft’ but are closer to alcopops than real cider, and growing up in Tuscany, with a whole country of magnificent wines on my doorstep, cider seemed an unsophisticated choice to put it politely.
But here’s the thing—real cider, especially the kind made with real care and craftsmanship, actually shares a lot in common with wine. In fact, the German word for cider is ‘Apfelwein’ or ‘Apple Wine’. So, if you’re someone who’s into savoring nuanced flavors and discovering new drinks, you might find cider to be an unexpectedly pleasant addition to your tasting adventures.
Let me take you through some of the reasons why I believe that cider and wine are more alike than you might think. From the way they’re made, to the flavors you can enjoy, there’s a whole world of cider out there that could surprise you
Flavor Complexity: A Familiar Pleasure
Of the many things to appreciate in a good bottle of wine, is the complexity of flavors. Whether it’s the fruity freshness of a young white or the earthy depth of a mature red, wine can tell a story with every sip. Cider does the same.
Sure, it might seem like cider is all about apple flavor, but when you start digging into different types of cider, you’ll realize it’s way more complex than that. The apples used in cider (and there are a lot of different varieties) can produce flavors that range from bright and citrusy to rich and even spicy. And just like with wine, the way the cider is fermented and aged can make a big difference.
For example, a cider made from tart apples might have that crisp, refreshing quality you love in a dry white wine. But, if you opt for a cider made with bittersweet apples (the ones that are a bit more tannic and less sweet), you’ll find that same kind of richness and complexity that you get from a good red wine. Some ciders can even develop deeper, more nuanced flavors as they age—think honey, caramel, or a hint of earthiness. You’ll see what I mean once you taste a really good bottle.
Tannins in Cider. Yes, Really!
You probably didn’t expect to hear about tannins in cider, but they’re definitely a thing. If you’ve spent time savoring red wines, you know how tannins can add body and structure, giving the wine that slightly dry, mouth-puckering feeling. Well, ciders can do the same.
Some cider apples are utterly packed with tannins—especially the traditional, bittersweet varieties used in places like Normandy or the West Country of England. These tannins give the cider a full-bodied texture and a depth of flavor that wine lovers will recognize and appreciate. If you enjoy wines with tannin-driven structure, like a bold Cabernet or a spicy Syrah, you’ll likely love a cider that has that same kind of balance between acidity, sweetness, and tannin.
And just like in wine, the tannins in cider can mellow out over time, adding complexity as the cider ages. So if you’re into wines that get better with a few years of aging, you might want to explore some barrel-aged ciders that also benefit from the passage of time.
Terroir: Cider’s Sense of Place
As a wine lover, you probably know all about terroir—the magical concept that explains how the soil, climate, and region where grapes are grown affect the flavor of the wine. Well, cider has its own terroir, and it’s just as fascinating.
You’ll notice that ciders from different regions often taste completely different. That’s because the apples grown in those areas are influenced by the climate and the environment around them. For instance, apples from the cool, misty climate of Normandy in France tend to produce ciders with bright acidity and a crisp, tangy finish. Meanwhile, ciders from the West Country in the UK might have a richer, rounder mouthfeel, thanks to a more temperate growing environment.
If you’re someone who enjoys exploring wines from specific regions, cider offers the same kind of adventure. Whether you’re sipping a French farmhouse cider or a small-batch English cider, you’ll be able to taste the influence of where it was made, which makes every bottle feel like a little snapshot of that place. And if you’re already a fan of wine regions like Bordeaux or Tuscany, you’ll find that ciders regions also have their own charm and story to tell.
The Artisanal Craft Behind Cider
One of the things that wine lovers often appreciate most is the craft behind winemaking. There’s an artistry to it—the careful selection of grapes, the methods used to ferment, and the time spent aging in barrels to create something truly special. Well, the same care and artistry goes into making real cider.
Just like boutique wineries, many cider makers use small-scale, traditional methods to create their products. They focus on selecting the best apples, fermenting them slowly to bring out the best flavors, and often aging the cider in barrels to add depth. These craft ciders aren’t mass-produced; they’re made with passion and a deep respect for the land and the fruit. If you’re someone who enjoys supporting smaller producers and discovering unique, handcrafted products, then cider has a lot to offer.
Just like how each wine region has its own traditions, cider-making regions have their own unique approaches and techniques. The care that goes into making these ciders can rival the craftsmanship behind the best wines.
Aging: Yes, Cider Can Get Better with Time
If you’re a wine lover who appreciates a bottle of wine that gets better with age, you’ll be pleased to know that some ciders can do the same. While many ciders are meant to be enjoyed fresh, there are certain styles that can improve over time, developing deeper flavors as they mature.
Take barrel-aged ciders, for instance. Some cider makers age their ciders in oak barrels, which imparts flavors similar to the way oak influences wine. You might get hints of vanilla, spice, or even a touch of smokiness, depending on the barrels used. Just like an aged red wine, a well-aged cider will evolve, becoming rounder and more complex with each passing year.
For wine lovers who enjoy the hunt for aged bottles and the experience of tasting how a wine changes over time, cider offers that same thrill. Plus, it’s a great way to add another layer of excitement to your tasting adventures.
Food Pairing: A Match Made in Heaven
If you’re into food and wine pairings, you’re in for a treat with cider. Just like wine, cider has a huge range of flavors that make it a perfect match for different dishes. A crisp, dry cider can complement a variety of foods, from sharp cheeses to roasted meats. A fruity, sweeter cider might be just the thing to go with desserts, especially those with apples or caramel. And if you’re into sparkling wines like Champagne, you’ll be pleased to know that sparkling cider makes an excellent pairing with seafood or fried foods.
The art of pairing food with cider is still growing in popularity, but if you’re already someone who loves experimenting with wine and food, you’ll find that cider offers a world of new possibilities. Whether it’s a rich, tannic cider with a charcuterie board or a bubbly cider with your favorite seafood dish, the pairing opportunities are endless.
Sustainability and Organic Options
For many of us, sustainability is an important factor in choosing a bottle. The real cider industry is also starting to embrace organic and sustainable farming practices, with more cider makers turning to heirloom apple varieties, wild fermentation, and minimal intervention methods. If you’re someone who enjoys organic wines or seeks out low-intervention producers, you’ll find that cider offers a similar ethos.
Many cider makers are focused on producing high-quality ciders in a way that’s kind to the environment, using natural methods to create a product that’s as authentic as possible. So if sustainability is important to you, exploring organic ciders could be just as rewarding as hunting for your favorite biodynamic wines.
Why Wine Lovers Should Give (Real) Cider a Try
Real cider is a beverage with much more to offer than many people realize, especially for wine lovers. The complexity, craftsmanship, and diversity of flavors in cider make it an exciting drink to explore. From tannic structure and aging potential to the influence of terroir and the art of food pairing, cider has many qualities that wine lovers will appreciate.
So, if you’ve always been curious about cider but haven’t really given it a try, now might be the perfect time to dive in. Whether you’re looking for something new to sip on or want to expand your appreciation for craft drinks made with care and personality, cider is a fantastic option. And who knows? You might just discover your new favorite drink.