Abavas Premium Brut

Premium Brut from Latvian Abavas is produced from three Latvian apple varieties. After pressing, the juice is fermented at low temperatures for eight months. I guess their efforts paid off since Premium Brut from Abavas has picked up the Pomme d’Or from the prestigious Apfelwein International 2017 in Frankfurt.

Company: SIA Abavas dārzi, “Kalējkrāmi”
Place of Origin: Slampes country, Tukuma region, Latvia
Apples: a blend of three Latvian apple varieties
Sweetness as per label: brut
ABV: 8.5%
Package type: 750ml wine bottle with natural cork
Recommended type of glass: flute or chalice glass

Appearance: pours a clear pale straw with a short-lived white head. High carbonation. Body is medium.

Aroma/Nose: the nose is fruity and vinous with notes of yellow apple, crisp green apple, and oak. In the background light green notes.

Taste: the initial taste is dry with a moderate lemon-like acidity. On the mid-palate lightly watery and vinous with notes of green apple, apple stems, a lightly smoky note with a subtle astringent taste. The finish is dry and a bit chalky with a lingering touch of lemon, crisp green apple with ripe yellow apple and distant bitterness.

Overall: a refreshing balanced acidity with a broad palate make the Premium Brut indeed to a premium product. Not to mention the beautiful bottle. Similarly to the previously reviewed Abolu Vins Sausais it tastes more like a quality sparkling white wine made from white grapes with pleasant and refreshing notes of fresh apples. Since the Premium Brut is not too dry it can be appreciated by a wider audience. A very pleasant pour to celebrate. 4.5/6 

Availability: in Finland from ALKO, in Sweden from all System Bolaget shops, In Belgium from Cideris, in the Netherlands from CiderCider, and in Latvia from Spirit & Wines.

Price: Premium Brut was a sample sent by Abavas.

Note: Abavas will attend the craft cider concept exhibition – “same but different” at ProWein in Düsseldorf in March 2018.