ROGER GROULT CALVADOS PAYS D'AUGE

HIGHLY RATED

NORMANDY, FRANCE

Why Buy: This is Calvados that transcends the category, folks. Witness these five bottlings, which earned almost unprecedented scores from the critics, who, as we all know, don't often review these exquisite spirits: 96 points, 95 points, 95 points, 93 points, and 91 points. These are some of the rarest aged distillates in the world, and from one of its most obsessively-detailed craftsmen. We sold out of all of our selections from Groult last time, so don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to secure these double-distilled, meticulously-matured collectibles — which represent the absolute pinnacle of brandy craft, easily rivaling the finest Cognacs and Armagnacs in complexity, depth, power, and, yes, pleasure.
 

What They’re Saying: Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal awarded the Pays d’Auge 25 Years 4 stars, lauding it as "an overall apple brandy splendor right through the languid, leisurely aftertaste.” Named "2019 World's Best Calvados" by the World Drink Awards, the Pays d’Auge 18 Years took home 96 points and 4 stars from Spirit Journal, which praised its "immaculate clarity" and "solid, straight-ahead, mature fragrances.” Vinous awarded it 95 points, calling it "extraordinary," while the Ultimate Spirits Challenge gave it 95 points and an "ultimate recommendation.” The Pays d’Auge 8 Years took home 95 points from both Vinous (“extraordinary") and Ultimate Spirits Challenge ("ultimate recommendation”).

Our Tasting Notes: All expressions share a prestigious pedigree: they're AOC Calvados Pays d'Auge, crafted exclusively from cider apples grown in the Pays d'Auge area. Each undergoes double distillation over wood fire in copper alembic stills, followed by aging and blending in old French oak casks. Finally, they're bottled at the domaine at 41% ABV, preserving their full character and complexity.

* Pays d'Auge 25 Years: The crown jewel of the collection, this Calvados has luxuriated for a minimum of 25 years, developing unparalleled depth and complexity. Think of it as a meditation in a glass, one that offers layer upon layer of nuanced flavors that evolve with each sip, from dried fruits to exotic spices, with a haunting minerality that speaks to its terroir.

* Pays d'Auge 18 Years: This is a revelatory brandy. A minimum of 18 years of aging has resulted in an incredibly rich and unctuous spirit. It weaves together flavors of baked apple, leather, and exotic spices, with a savory earthiness on the finish that lingers enticingly. 

* Pays d'Auge 12 Years: Ultimate Spirits Challenge awarded it 93 points, deeming it "excellent, highly recommended.” As for us, we found it to be a marvelous bridge between youth and maturity, presenting a complex bouquet of baked apples, leather, and baking spices. The palate is silky, with a long, warming finish that speaks to its time in oak. 

* Pays d'Auge 8 Years: Vibrant apple notes mingle with hints of vanilla and oak. The palate is fresh yet complex, showcasing the youthful vigor of the spirit while hinting at its potential for aging. 

The Method: Groult's commitment to quality is evident in every step of production. The cider undergoes double distillation in alembic pot stills, with only the heart of each distillation reserved for aging. This meticulous process preserves the fruit integrity of the distillate, a hallmark of Groult Calvados. Aging occurs in very old oak barrels using a system not dissimilar to the Solera system employed in Spain in the making of sherry, a method that imparts depth and complexity while maintaining the spirit's essential apple character. The result is Calvados that is at once rich and fresh, complex yet approachable.

The Story: Roger Groult is to Calvados what Mondavi is to Napa: a maestro whose singularity defined an entire region and idiom and style. Since 1860, when Pierre Groult first distilled cider on his family farm in the Pays d'Auge, the Groult name has been synonymous with exceptional Calvados. Today, fifth-generation distiller Jean-Roger Groult continues this legacy, crafting spirits that not only honor tradition but push the boundaries of what Calvados can be. The Groult estate, sprawling across the rolling hills of Normandy, is home to over 6,000 apple trees. Here, amid grazing dairy cows, the Groults cultivate a striking array of apple varieties — bittersweet, bitter-sharp, sweet, and sharp. This diversity is key to the complexity of their Calvados, setting it apart from less nuanced apple brandies made from dessert apples. Each harvest, the Groults press around 600 tons of apples, allowing the resulting cider to ferment slowly on its lees for a full year. This patient approach yields a cider of 5-7% ABV, laying the foundation for extraordinary brandy.

What to Pair Them With: These Calvados are exceptional on their own, but make a kind of magic when paired with the iconic cheeses of their native Pays d'Auge. Try the younger expressions with a creamy Camembert or a pungent Livarot. The 18 and 25-year-old bottlings are sublime alongside a well-aged Pont-l'Évêque or a robust Neufchâtel. For a classic Norman experience, pair any of these Calvados with a slice of apple tart or tarte Tatin. The older bottlings also make an exquisite match with dark chocolate desserts.

Our Guarantee: As with all our offerings, these brandies come directly from the estate. Your bottles will arrive in pristine condition, ready for your cellar—or your glass.

*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (December 20, 2024 - March 21, 2025). All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in IL, IN, KS, MI, NC, NM, NY, SC, TN, VA, WA, & WI. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, July 18, 2024.