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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Basque Cider

Sarasola Sagardoa Hard Cider...$9.99 / 750ml
6% ABV
"Sarasola Sagardoa is a traditional Basque cider from a cider house located in the apple growing hills of Astigarraga.

Pouring & Serving: Since Basque cider is “natural” and not sparkling the cider is poured by holding the bottle up high above the head and pouring into a glass that is held just below waiste level. Pouring from elevation allows the cidre to pick up some natural carbonation when it hits the glass. Sarasola Sagardotegi is located in the apple growing hills of Astigarraga, which is in the Basque Country region of Spain, near San Sebastian." - importer


"Most Basque cider, as indeed most cider varieties in Spain, is called "natural" because unlike many other European varieties it is still, not sparkling. It normally contains 4-6% alcohol and is served directly from the barrel in a sagardotegi.
The more recent traditions surrounding the sagardotegis hail back to the time when buyers interested in purchasing cider from a particular maker would bring along food for the tasting as it is considered best when taken with a meal.
This soon evolved into gastronomical tradition with the sagardotegis becoming a cross between a grill and a cider house. In a traditional sagardotegi, three courses are taken:
* starter: a cod omelette or cod with peppers
* main: a steak
* desert: cheese (often Idiazabal cheese), quince and nuts" -- importer

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