Artisan poiree and perry ciders — Norman orchards

Artisan poiree is one of the most underappreciated treasures of French cider culture. Made from terroir pear varieties grown in century-old Norman orchards, quality poiree shares much with champagne: natural effervescence, pronounced minerality and an aromatic complexity that only an exceptional terroir can produce. On Spiravel, you buy your artisan poiree directly from Norman cidriculteurs. The Domfront region of Normandy is the historical heartland of poiree production. The Poiree Domfront AOC designation protects traditional production methods and requires the use of local pear varieties — Plant de Blanc, Petit Roux, Fausset — grown in high-stemmed orchards. These perry pears are not eating pears: they are exclusively destined for fermentation. The fermentation of pear juice is more delicate than apple cider: natural sugars and aromas evolve more quickly, demanding technical mastery that specialised independent cidriculteurs have developed over generations. The result — artisan poiree bought direct — offers fine bubbles, a golden colour and aromas of ripe pear and white flowers. Some producers also offer still poiree, demi-sec expressions or pear-apple blends. Explore our catalogue of artisan poirees and perry ciders and order directly from the Norman producers.