Calvados - Grisy Wine Region

Calvados – Grisy wine region has a diverse selection of wines, many of which are well known among French and international wine connoisseurs. Calvados, the region in which you're traveling to learn about taste and production, offers a glimpse at these remarkable wines. The region's climate, soil types, and grape selection produce a typical French wine with subtle flavors. Calvados wines are very memorable and are made by some great French wineries. Browse our site to discover what wineries in Calvados have to offer and take full advantage of this lovely region. Find out more about wine tasting and tours in Calvados.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Calvados – Grisy Wine Region

Where is Calvados – Grisy Wine Region

Calvados Grisy wine region is on the banks of the River Dives, in between Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives and Falaise, in Normandy.

History of Calvados – Grisy

French department "Calvados" was founded in 1790. It's brand became known worldwide after the French Revolution and its changing name "Calvados". Until the 17th century, cider was only consumed locally and used to have a reputation in its own right. The further it became known, its reputation also increased. Eventually, in the 17th century this drink became an internationally popular liquor. However, its growing popularity in Western France was soon to be impeded by Colbert, who sought to maintain the exports of wine, a source of foreign exchange for the State. Decided to levy taxes on the exportation of cider eau-de-vie before completely banning its shipment outside of Normandy. However, these restrictions were only in place until 1741. With more and more people becoming interested in the region, it is becoming increasingly popular with wine lovers to enjoy good quality wines.

Terrior of Calvados – Grisy

Calvados - Grisy's quintessential style is set apart from the rest due to its soil types, the selection of grape varieties grown, and the specific production methods of winemakers in the area. These elements produce a style of wine found nowhere else in Normandy, or the world for that matter. This region has a unique terroir, dry and hot microclimate, clay-limestone soil.

Calvados – Grisy Characteristics

Calvados is a cider that is made from the must of apples and pears. There are 48 varieties of apples and some varieties of pears that can be used in the fermentation process. The ingredients in a good cider are plenty. The mixture of 40% sweet, 40% bitter, and 20% sour apples creates a perfect balance of flavor. Fermentation and distillation then give the cider 4% vol. before it is blended with cognac in the finished product to create traditional apple brandy (a stronger spirit).After the first distillation, you'll have a result called "petit eau." The second distillation will produce what's called "eau de vie" or high-alcohol cider. This type of alcohol only really takes between a few months and six years to complete. Calvados is a type of spirit that has been distilled from the fermented apples leftover after cider-making. It's also known for its flavor profile, which changes with time, particularly through the process of aging in oak or chestnut barrels.

Food to pair with Calvados – Grisy

1. Marmite dieppoise

Marmite is a traditional French fish stew originating from Dieppe on the Normandy coast. The dish usually contains scallops, prawns, mussels, salmon or monkfish, mushrooms, heavy cream, shallots, white wine and thyme. Traditional method requires you to make a dish with some fresh mussels - a process that can be quite tricky since that are difficult to open without getting them stuck. However, this recipe uses Marmite, which ensures the mussels open easily and stays covered throughout the cooking process. It goes well with Calvados - Grisy Wines.

2. Tripes à la mode de Caen 

Caen-style tripe is a popular French stew that combines tripe, a mix of French herbs, spices, and vegetables. It has been familiar since the Middle Ages and is delicious because of the mix of flavors. In a traditional tripière, the filling is layered at the bottom of a clay pot sealed with pastry dough and then simmered for hours. The flavors merge together and transform the dish. The dish we now call "steamed crayfish with Normandy butter" is usually associated with the French monk Sidoine Benoît. He is often credited with the introduction of brandy in cuisine and has traditional roots. Tripes à la mode de Caen pairs well with Calvados - Grisy Wines.

3. Sole à la Normande

One of the many delicacies originating from Normandy, sole à la Normande is typically made with sole fillets and shallots, parsley and salt, pepper. It is sometimes cooked in cider. Our fillets are nicely seasoned and then rolled before being placed into dishes of butter with onions or shallots, parsley, and cider for about 20 minutes. Normande, a French cream sauce made with butter, flour and cream is poured over the fillets and then flavoured with oysters, mussels, shrimps and truffle slices. This delicious dish is garnished with fried bread crumbs and chopped parsley. Sole is a great dish with Calvados - Grisy Wines.

Places to visit near Calvados – Grisy

1. Mont Saint-Michel

The Mont-Saint-Michel is one of Europe’s most memorable sights. It is situated in a jaw dropping bay shared by Normandy and Brittany, which makes it impossible to look anywhere else.

This staggeringly beautiful location has long captured the imagination. The story of how the mount came to be a great Christian pilgrimage site dates back to the 8th century, when Aubert, bishop of the nearby hilltop town, claimed that the Archangel Michael himself had pressured him into having a church built on top of the mount.

2. Etretat Garden

The French actress, Madame Thébault, first named Villa Roxelane after one of her characters — the famous wife of Sultan Solimun the Magnificent. When Madam Thébault was friends with Claude Monet, many hours were spent at the villa for painting which would later become one of the most recognizable works in art history.

In 1905, a garden was created at the top of the Amont Cliff by Madame Thébault in order to reflect Monet's avant-garde work mixed with impressionism.One of the most scenic views in France is that of The Cliffs on La Manche and its. The view provides a spectacular contrast between the coast and cliffs.

3. Giverny: Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour

Take a tour through the beautiful gardens, learn more about Claude Monet and all he's accomplished, and imagine yourself making art in your own home.

Frequently asked questions about Calvados