Ross-on-Wye Dabinett 2020

Ross-On-Wye Dabinett is a single variety cider from Herefordshire, made with 100% Dabinett apples from 2020 harvest.

Ross-on-Wye Dabinett 2020 at glance

  • Region: Herefordshire, England
  • Alcohol: 6.8%
  • Style: dry, gently sparkly
  • Vintage: pressed Nov 2020, Bottled april 2022
  • Apple varieties: 100% Dabinett
Ross-on-Wye Dabinett 2020 in a glass

Tasting Notes

  • See: Rich golden hay, effervescent, clean but not fully transparent; bottom of the bottle shows some sediments – I assume it’s unfiltered
  • Smell: fresh apple peel, mild barn notes
  • Taste: dry cider, sustained tannins, low acidity, gentle carbonation; mouthfeel is elegantly astringent and full body, strong notes of orange marmalade with a medium finish of vanilla notes

Notes from the producer

From the label “Dabinett is surely the most important cider apple in Britain. Popular ever since discovery in the 1800s, this Somerset variety is a classic bittersweet with a rich, orange and vanilla creaminess that melds perfectly with everything e love about traditional cider – tanning, complexity, body.” Discover more about Ross-on-Wye.

Personal Notes on Ross-on-Wye Dabinett 2020

Ross-on-Wye Dabinett is a mouthwatering rich full body sparkling cider, with loads of character and delicate aromas of marmalade, interesting notes that I have also found in the Dabinett cider by Whin Hill.  It is quite tannic, but the carbonation make it somehow lighter and you meet the tannins only after several seconds; it leave the mouth very clean despite being so rich and full body. 

This is one of those ciderts I would present to a wine lover who doesn’t know much about cider in order to convince them that they are missing out on a wonderful universe by not drinking cider. To me, Ross-on-Wye Dabinett is perfect during a cozy sunday feast with family and friends, perhaps even Christmas picking fatty and rich food.

Ross-on-Wye Dabinett 2020 cider colour

Food pairing

Fatty foods will go great with Ross-On-Wye Dabinett – try a mature or vintage cheddar, a rich savoury fatty sausages, perhaps an italian Cotechino; if  you are in a pub, try it with pork scratchings. Delicious.