Copyright 2006: B. United International Inc., All rights reserved.
Although no official documents exist on its origins, calvados appeared in Normandy several centuries ago. In 1553, Sire de Gouberville, a great agronomist and gastronome who lived in Mesnil-au-val, in the Manche area, noted in his diary that he distilled cider.
As a noble and classy product, calvados undergoes very strict production and quality controls. Before it is marketed it has to be approved by a tasting committee of the French Institut National des Appellation d’Origine (INAO). Of course, calvados Christian DROUIN qualifies the “Pays d’Auge” appellation by
- using only cider apples form the Pays d’Auge
- distilling cider by the traditional method : distillation is carried out in two successive stages in a double distillation still.
- obtaining the approval of the French Institut National des Appellation d’Origine (INAO) after chemical analysis and tasting by an expert panel.
417 Medals and Honor Prizes by September 30, 2005 :
Grand Prix d´Honneur for the best Calvados Cellar
Sèvres vase offered by the President of the Republic
Caen, Concours National 1989
Award winner, Golden Jubilees celebrations for AOC ans INAO (1935-1985)
For "Pays d´Auge" A.O.C.
Grand Prix of European Prestige - European Foundation - 1995
Vinalies d´or - Vinalies internationales 2003, 1997
Vinalies d´argent - Vinalies internationales 2004, 2003
"Prix des Vinalies" - Vinalies nationales 2004(2), 2003
"Grand Prix d´Excellence" - Vinalies nationales 2005
Trophies for Best Cellar of the Pays d´Auge
Beuzeville (1983) - Lisieux (1985-88-89-93) - Vimoutiers (1985-86-93)
