C2C. Applewine

The term for this category is traditional but possibly misleading: it is simply a cider with substantial added sugar to achieve higher alcohol than a standard cider. As such it comes closer to a white wine than any other style. No fruit other than apples may be used in this style.

Overall Impression

Typically like a dry white wine, balanced, and with low astringency and bitterness.

Aroma/Flavor:

Comparable to a New World Cider. Cider character must be distinctive. Very dry to sweet, although often dry.

Appearance

Clear to brilliant, pale to medium-gold. Cloudiness or hazes are inappropriate.

Mouthfeel

Lighter than other ciders, because higher alcohol is derived from addition of sugar rather than juice. Carbonation may range from still to champagne-like.

Entry Instructions:

Entrants MUST specify carbonation level (3 levels). Entrants MUST specify sweetness (5 categories).

Vital Statistics

• OG: 1.045 - 1.070

• FG: 0.995 - 1.010

• ABV: 5.0 - 9.0%

Commercial Examples

[US] West County Blueberry-Apple Wine (MA), Bellwether Cherry Street (NY), Uncle John’s Fruit Farm Winery Apple Cherry, Apple Blueberry, and Apricot Apple Hard Cider (MI)