PRIMARY FLAVOURS

• Apple
• Redcurrant
• Juicy
• Tart

Story

Napoleone is a Yarra Valley cider business that grew out of the Punt Road winemaking operation. Winemakers being winemakers naturally can't help themselves making other things, and with an orchard of mature cider apple (and pear) trees to tap into, it makes sense to make serious cider.

Dig below the surface and you realise that the Napoleone family (who own Punt Road and this cidery) have been farming in the Yarra Valley for generations - little wonder that these premium ciders taste so good. What's even more entertaining is how the cider and wine businesses start to overlap, with techniques that dip over from one to the other (with great results).

With the Louis Rosé cider, you get something very fun, with Australian apple juice mixed with the skins of Yarra Valley Shiraz grapes. The resulting cider has a really distinct berry juicy tang to it, with a lovely pink colour to match. You pick up some of the Shiraz bite too, which adds extra layers, over what is a fresh, tangy and very enjoyable craft cider.

Specs

PAIRING GUIDE

There is cider, and then there is next-level cider, this Napoleone release. The extra exposure to the Shiraz grape skins makes this wonderfully tart and tangy, while really amping up the pairing choices. We like this with cured meats, cheese and olives as a start, but feel free to roll on the whole way through lunch/dinner. Grilled or roast chicken, vegetable skewers, spiced halloumi and couscous will pair very nicely for a start, but go nuts (and make sure you serve it ice cold).

RECIPE MATCHES

• Garlic, Cheese and Sage Mushroom Flatbreads
• Chipotle Salmon Wraps with Warm Salsa
• Cheat’s Nasi Goreng