Cider | Thornborough Cider

Our ciders are made using dessert and cider apples harvested from our own orchard. We focus on spontaneous wild fermentation, allowing the natural yeasts to guide the process. Unfiltered and unpasteurised, our ciders are raw and expressive, shaped by the season and every vintage and batch has its own personality.

We draw on a range of methods, combining traditional and modern techniques from both cider and winemaking. From slow fermentation to bottle and tank conditioning, each approach is chosen to suit the fruit and the style, with the aim of capturing a true sense of place in the glass.

Traditional Method

The Champagne method, also known as the traditional method, is a meticulous process used to produce sparkling cider and wine, particularly Champagne. It begins with a base cider to which a mixture of sugar and yeast is added, initiating a second fermentation inside the bottle. This fermentation generates carbon dioxide, creating the signature bubbles. The cider is then aged on its lees for an extended period, enhancing its complexity and flavour. After aging, the sediment is removed through a process called riddling and disgorging, and a final dosage of sugar is added to balance the cider before corking and wiring. This labor-intensive method produces the highest-quality sparkling cider.

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Charmat Method

The Charmat method, also known as the tank method, is a popular technique for producing sparkling wine efficiently and cost-effectively. Unlike the traditional method, the secondary fermentation in the Charmat process occurs in large, pressurized stainless steel tanks rather than individual bottles. This approach accelerates the production time while still creating the desired bubbles through natural fermentation. After fermentation, the cider is bottled under pressure to retain its effervescence. The Charmat method is especially favored for producing fruity and aromatic sparkling cider as it preserves the fresh and vibrant characteristics of the apples.

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Single Variety

Our range of single-variety ciders showcases the unique flavors and characteristics of carefully selected dessert and cider apples. Each cider is crafted to highlight the distinct profile of the chosen apple variety, whether it's the crisp sweetness of a dessert apple or the robust complexity of a traditional cider apple. Our collection includes bottle-conditioned ciders, which undergo a secondary fermentation in the bottle for natural carbonation and depth; pét-nat ciders, offering a rustic, lightly sparkling experience; and still ciders, which emphasize pure, unadulterated apple essence. This diverse selection ensures a perfect match for every palate and occasion, celebrating the true essence of each apple variety.

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