Medaille d’Or

Why you should be excited

Medaille d'Or is a traditional bittersweet cider apple known for the heavy-duty tannins and high sugar level of its juice.

The story of Medaille d'Or

We understand you may be sceptical when we say Medaille d'Or is a traditional English cider variety. Perhaps your name-related doubts will be erased when we explain that the apple hails from France, but it came to prominence in England after a local naturalists field club brought it across the Channel and introduced it to British cidermakers in 1884.

It had, in fact, already won a medal in France 11 years before that event, so the English were latching onto a known commodity of some quality. And that commodity is a particularly tannic juice that's also very sweet, a combination that adds a welcome boost of alcohol, body and astringency to a cider blend.

And whether you consider Medaille d'Or English or French, that's a good thing.

Medaille d'Or Facts

Its origins

Raised from a seed in Rouen, France, early 19th century.

Flavour, aroma, texture

The highly astringent tannins in its juice make for a strong, fruity cider.

Appearance

As the name suggests, this is a golden-skinned apple.

When they’re available

Mid-season (usually in late September).

Quality for fresh eating

Definitely not for fresh eating. Too bitter!

Quality for cooking

We don't cook bitter apples; we make cider from them.

Quality for cider

Very good. Medaille d'Or is a power-packed cider specialist.

Keeping ability

Limited (a few weeks 'sweating' is fine).