Kemker Kultuur brewery is located on a farm in the village of Alverskirchen, 15 kilometres from Münster in western Germany. Jan and Nicole work here in a converted barn, making beer, cider and fruit wines within a growing community of family businesses and farmers. The fruit is handpicked from a number of organic orchards in the neighbouring countryside, consisting of ancient varieties of trees that grow in natural formations. Although Jan and Nicole have planted their own orchards, these will take some years to yield fruit. It is time consuming work, which requires much hand sorting and selecting to ensure the best fruits reach the press.
Appelwien 04-2021 is a blend of roughly 75% apples and 25% quinces. 2021 was an ideal year for apples: rain fell every other week and temperatures were tranquil, meaning a calm ripening of the fruit with plenty of sugar balanced by good acidity. The acidity helps natural cider retain a fresh, clean appeal, without the funkiness that can occur in the absence of additives. The fruit for this blend was harvested from orchards in Laer, Alverskirchen and Rinkerode. Each apple and quince plucked from the tree is considered with the question: would I eat it? If the answer is yes, then it’s good enough to drink! After being crushed, the fruit pulp is macerated for one night before being gently pressed. The juice ferments for two weeks, then transferred into barrels; for this vintage, old Pinot Blanc barrels. After 7 months the dry cider was bottled with a dosage added to encourage carbonisation. Refreshing and aromatic, it’s a little like Chenin Blanc and a fantastic match for fennel salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. Drink chilled, at 7-8 degrees.