Rouge Duret

Why you should be excited

Rouge Duret is a lesser-known sweet cider apple from the Pays d’Auge area of Normandy.

The story of Rouge Duret

It’s difficult to find much information about this French cider variety, even though it is one of only 13 traditional apple varieties that can be legally used as primary varieties for cider-making in their home region of Pays d’Auge.

Several of the others are better known in North America, including the bittersharp Domaine and Frequin Rouge and the bittersweet Noel des Champs, Bisquet, Binet Rouge and Bedan des Parts, all of which we grow.

Why is Rouge Duret more obscure?

Maybe partly because it is a pure sweet cider apple and many North Americans ignore those varieties because there are so many bland dessert apples available cheap for cider-making in this part of the world.

Rouge Duret Facts

Its origins:

Unknown origins in Pays d’Auge, Normandy, France.

Flavour, aroma, texture

Sweet and honeyed with little acid and virtually no tannins.

Appearance

A medium-sized yellow-green apple with some pink blush and russet.

When they’re available

Late-season (in our orchard: early October).

Quality for fresh eating

So-so.

Quality for cider

Good.

Quality for cooking

Mainly used for cider.

Keeping ability

So-so (a few weeks of sweating before pressing).