Reasons to be cheerful

Wilding Cider is Beccy & Sam Leach, once of the great Birch restaurant in Bristol. Now, they have turned to producing wonderful small batch cider in Somerset.

"Ancestral method, bone dry, sparkling cider from two of our favourite apple varieties. 75% Dabinett and 25% Foxwhelp. The Foxwhelp is from a truly extraordinary orchard in Ditcheat from the biggest apple trees I know of, and they yielded a very aromatic and concentrated juice. It was nearly fermented to dry by the time we pressed the Dabinett portion, and they were then co-fermented in stainless before bottling in the late winter of 2020. After 16 months on the lees we have hand disgorged. The Foxwhelp acid has integrated and softened, but the aromas are still there: poached strawberries and peaches combine well with orange flesh, leather and bittersweet aromas from the Dabinett. Great as an aperitif or for a celebration. Drink lightly chilled, not too cold."