Toast the arrival of autumn with Three Spades Cider. A new release from De Grendel, this stylish new premium cider is made with freshly pressed apples from Elgin, one of South Africa’s foremost apple-growing regions. The cider is light, crisp and effervescent with an exquisite, almost champagne-like flavour. The crisp apple flavour is delicately delivered to the palate through the bubbles.

Three Spades Cider with an apple pie. Photo supplied.

Three Spades Cider is an anytime drink and, together with its classy packaging, it’s no wonder it’s a new darling on the brunch scene. Enjoy it on a summer’s day, at sunset as an imaginative cocktail, or on a crisp autumn night with a braai. It makes for a refreshing alternative to a bloody Mary or mimosa. Even better news? It’s naturally gluten-free, making for a refreshing and lighter alternative to beer.

Food pairing is also a cinch, as it naturally complements roast pork and pork belly, creamy sauces, chicken, salads, soft cheese, seafood, fresh oysters, Asian flavours and spicy food. Impress guests by serving it with a homely apple crumble or add a celebratory touch to a modern deconstructed apple tarte tatin.

The new cider and its stylish packaging. Photo supplied.

While it may seem strange for a cider to come from known winemakers De Grendel, it actually is a part of the Graaff family’s heritage, which has always had a close connection to apple farming. De Grendel cellar master Charles Hopkins relished the chance to combine his expert knowledge of winemaking’s scientific side with the art of cider-making. According to Hopkins, the key to a top-class cider is the composition of the apple juices. “Our main focus was to capture the purity of the apple, expressing it through a blend of different varieties picked at peak ripeness before being pressed to highlight the unique characteristics of each. The five varieties, each playing its part, are 30% Golden Delicious, 30% Granny Smith, 20% Pink Lady, 10% Braeburn and 10% Fuji.”

De Grendel and the Graaff family are incredibly excited about this new venture. Photo supplied.

While drinkable directly after bottling, Three Spades cider is microbiologically stable enough to age for up to 3 years in the bottle for an even richer more complex drink.

Find Three Spades Cider at the De Grendel Tasting Room, De Grendel Restaurant or find it online at the De Grendel online shop, for R35 per 330ml bottle and R530 for a box of 16. It’s also available from specialty liquor shops in Cape Town, including Norman Goodfellows.