FRANCE. Pinnacle Estates, leading Canadian producer of ice cider, yesterday announced that Camus La Grande Marque, will brand and market Pinnacle Ice Cider as “Domaine Pinnacle Ice Apple Wine selected by Camus” through its travel retail network.
Along with selected other products, Camus will sell Domaine Pinnacle Ice Apple Wine exclusively in duty free worldwide. Beginning in the Pacific Rim, Camus will market Domaine Pinnacle Ice Apple Wine through DFS Group stores.
Authentic ice cider is made from late-harvested apples with the ultra-concentrated juice extracted naturally over the winter months, fermented and bottled at 10.2% ABV. Like quality ice wine, there is no artificial freezing, sugar or other additives – resulting in a rich and complex-flavoured product.
“Our company is renowned for its long and distinguished history, but we are also actively building for the future,” said Camus group president Cyril Camus. “We have had a strong presence in the international travel market for nearly 40 years.
“Now, we are complementing our line of Cognacs by distributing other high quality products. Pinnacle Ice Cider – which we are calling Ice Apple Wine for the international market – is a product of exceptional quality and character. We are pleased to be selling Domaine Pinnacle Ice Apple Wine alongside our well-established Cognacs and other products.
We believe that the discerning international traveller will really appreciate this unique delicacy from Quebec,” said Camus.
“Pinnacle Estates is very proud to be associated with Camus, one of the world’s most respected families in the distilling and wine-making community,” said Charles Crawford, Pinnacle Estates president.
“Our association with Camus solidifies our international export strategy. In addition to benefiting from Camus’ impressive worldwide distribution network, we have had the pleasure of working with a very impressive team, who base their work on 150 years of tradition but maintain a clear focus on the future,” Crawford added.
Note: Founded in 2000, Pinnacle Estates is Quebec’s leading producer of ice cider. Producing Pinnacle Ice Cider requires a late season apple harvest. Apples must be handpicked in sub-zero degree conditions, after autumn’s first frost. This combination of agricultural and climactic conditions is very rare and Quebec is the only place in the world where ice cider is made.
Once the apples are picked, they are pressed for juice. Concentrated apple liquor is separated and fermented for about seven months. About 80 apples go into each 37.5cl bottle of Pinnacle Ice Cider, which has a cool and refreshing taste, ideal as an aperitif or an innovative alternative to sauternes and other dessert wines.
To date Pinnacle Ice Cider is sold in Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta in Canada, and in the US and Asia through selected importers and retailers.
See also www.icecider.com
