Madison County Cider 'Quaker Run' 2022

This rich, slightly oxidized cider from Virginia-based producer Patois Cider epitomizes rustic elegance. Notes from Patrick and Danielle:

• Heirloom apples (majority russets) from Quaker Run Orchard in Madison, VA. Clay loam with quartz and basalt schist gravel, 950’ elevation.

• Quaker Run is a former commercial orchard dating back to the 19th century. Current property owners Tom and Debbie Flynn maintained a few rows of mature apple trees for many years. This is the last year we were able to harvest the apples from this site as it is being converted fully to a vineyard.

• 2022 was wet and moodier. There’s less of the candied southern climate flavors here as in the 21 and more of the higher tone, pressed white flower of the even-wetter 20. Partly to honor the site and partly to fill out the mid palate we decided to age on lees for an extended amount of time. This is also the last single vintage release from the birth year of our son; we do not remember most of the harvest for lack of sleep.

More about Patois.

Vibes with:

• Dinner outside, cooked over a hearth.
• Pungent washed-rind cheese from Meadowcreek Dairy.
• Cassandra Wilson's 'Death Letter' Radio.