A Late Summer Pairing
The transition from summer to autumn is in progress. We leave behind the long shadows, the beating sunshine, the accelerated growth and ripening of crops. We swap it for the harvest, for great feasts gifted from the abundance of our hard work in the months before. Our mind drifts to the months ahead; first frosts, apples, damp walks, warm stews and knitted socks. We will not wish away the summer, but part of us is excited for what's to come...
This summer cider pairing is the perfect way to salute the summer, waving it farewell for another year. We enjoyed this pairing with a cheese picnic on a swelteringly warm August day. So, pack the basket with a chilled bottle of cider, our Extra Mature Clothbound Cheddar, grab some other nibbly bits and enjoy the last few days of summer the way it should be done.
Find & Foster's Huxham Blend
When Polly & Matt discovered that 90% of Devon's Traditional Orchards have been lost since WWII and 50% of those that remain are in poor condition due to a lack of incentive to manage them or replace fallen trees (Natural England, 2011), the couple embarked on a mission to find and foster those that remain.
Their 2018 Petillant Naturel Blend ‘Huxham’ is rich, ripe and appley with hints of spice. Refreshing and very easy to drink thanks to the natural subtle sparkle. Serve straight out of the fridge and pair with Quicke's Extra Mature or Quicke's Oak Smoked.
Petillant Naturel or Pét-nat is made with what is known as the “ancestral” method, which is the oldest version of sparkling winemaking with origins in France. This method involves bottling before first fermentation has finished, allowing the process to complete in the bottle.
See where to buy the Huxham Blend here, or visit our Farm Shop.
Quicke's Extra Mature
Handcrafted using heritage starters by our expert cheesemakers, clothbound and naturally matured for around 18 months, Quicke's Extra Mature is a wonderfully rich, rounded cheddar with a deep, complex balance of flavours, from brothy to buttery, to fresh cut grass. This cheese stands up well to the rich apple in the cider, whilst the bubbles cut through the creaminess of the cheese to leave you going back for more.
