As more is learnt above the French cidre/cider varieties some early information might help with evaluating them and considering how they might fit into the Australian cider scene. English cider varieties are traditionally grouped into four classes: sweet, bittersweet, sharp and bittersharp. Naturally the French have varieties which come into these general classes also but they also have varieties which occupy more outlying classes, namely higher acid level types and higher tannic/phenolic types. This latter class is described as ‘amere’, translating as bitter. Australia appears to ha ..read more

At some unrecorded time in the past a number of French (cidre) cider apple varieties were imported into Australia. It’s not known who arranged the importation – or when – but fortunately these varieties became part of the apple germplasm collection which currently resides in Tasmania. In the event they slumbered in the Tasmanian collection for a long time because – having French names in an English speaking country – their significance was not recognised. On the plus side the varieties which are considered to be true-to-type and which are consequently being publicised are likely to make a majo ..read more

There are various ‘rules of thumb’ for assessing the maturity of cider apples in order to commence harvest. These range from the colour of the seeds to the proportion of fruit that has dropped off the tree. Sampling the apples for juice and then determining the specific gravity of the juice can be useful but it doesn’t necessarily prove that all the starch within the fruit has been converted to sugars. It is possible to assess the starch content of fruit visually using the starch iodide test: https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Research_Center/SWMREC/Apple_Maturity_Protocol.pdf This utilise ..read more

Just like dessert apples, cider apples can get black spot (Venturia inaequalis) also know as apple scab. Black spot on cv. Yarlington Mill Black spot infection occurs when there is a combination of spores in the orchard environment and the plants are subject to periods of wetness in conjunction with temperatures favourable to development. Tables for this are available on the internet eg: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/horticulture/pomes/pests-etc/apple-and-pear-scab Protective fungicides and fungicides with a degree of curative action are available. The infection occurs on leaves ..read more

Read carefully for the good news…. taken from the Red Hill Show Facebook page….     We are sad to announce that the 2021 Red Hill Show will be CANCELLED in its current form as we know it…a full day of family entertainment. However, we will be running some of our pavilion events which is the backbone of our show. This includes the sections of Art, Beer, Cider, Cooking, Craft, Flowers, Fruit, Honey, Mead, Photography, Preserves and Vegetables. Schedules will be out in January. So get busy organising your cider entries: amateur or commercial.       Entries are ..read more

There are words in different countries that translate as cider (eg cidre, sidra) and apfelwein – apple-wine – is a version from Germany. Besides apfelwein, Germany has the product known as Speierling which traditionally is a cider from the Frankfurt area utilising tannin from the small fruit of the tree identified variously as Speierling, Speyerling or Service.           https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apfelwein The Speierling tree is botanically known as Sorbus domestica. Although Wikipedia quotes it as being an endangered species in Germany it exists in various pl ..read more

The Australian Cider Awards has been running since 2011. The issue for amateur cidermakers is that entry is only possible for commercial producers. Commercial producers can enter the Red Hill Cider Show but so can non-commercial / home / amateur cidermakers. For the latest information re the Show including the judging panel see the website Red Hill Cider Show For the classes that can be entered see the Exhibitor Guide You have the opportunity of benchmarking your cider or perry against other amateur makers and commercial producers. The particularly valuable aspect is: “All entries wil ..read more

If you want a head start for your cider making plans …. Small Acres Cyder at Borenore NSW is currently being offered for sale. Three bedroom home, shed set-up for cider making, cellar door, established orchard of cider variety apples situated in the cool climate district of Borenore at 887m ASL. The property is 13km from Orange on the wine tourism circuit. Contact David Dent at Benchmark, Orange. You can also see the quality of the cider produced from this property via the Small Acres Cyder website ..read more

I guess everyone has heard the expression “how long is a piece of string”. Apple yields – cider apple yields – are like that piece of string because there are so many factors to consider. The variety, the rootstock, the year, the age of the tree, seasonal weather, irrigation etc etc etc. But for someone who wants an approximate indication of yield the figures quoted are last seasons yield on a variety by variety basis. Yields could generally be increased with a generous irrigation program but, as with wine grapes, less can often be more. Please read the apple harvest notes above to get a be ..read more

The following trees are available from Balhannah Nurseries in South Australia. Contact Sam Luke: sam@balhannahnurseries.com.au Cider Apples  …….Cider variety/rootstock· Bedan/M26 – 12· Cimetiere De Blangy/MM106 – 10· Improved Foxwhelp/M26 – 12· Improved Foxwhelp/MM106 – 10· Kingston Black/MM106 – 25· Somerset Red Streak/MM106 – 5· Sweet Alford/M26 – 15· Sweet Coppin/MM106 – 15· Sweet Coppin/M26 – 14· Verite/M26 – 11· Winesap/MM102 – 10· Yarlington Mill/MM106 – 5Perry Pears ……all on D6 rootstock· Gin Perry – 15· Moorcroft – 15· Yellow Huffcap – 15 ..read more