431: Domaine Johanna Cécillon's Elegant Ciders  | Brittany FR

431: Domaine Johanna Cécillon's Elegant Ciders | Brittany FR

Author: Ria Windcaller: Award-winning Cidermaker, Podcaster | Craft Beer Columnist October 30, 2024 Duration: 59:39

Discovering Domaine Johanna Cécillon: A Journey of Cider, Heritage, and Terroir

Johanna Cécillon and her husband, Louis Cécillon, have deep ties in the world of fermented drinks, and are now merging their wine heritage with cider-making in Brittany. Domaine Johanna Cécillon, near Dinan, honors family tradition and innovation through biodynamic farming methods. Established on family land from the 1800s, Johanna brings a refined approach to cider, embracing natural processes that reflect the land's unique terroir.

Cider Chat Episode 431 Johanna Cécillon
Louis and Johanna Cécillon

Biodynamic Practices and Natural Fermentation

At Domaine Johanna Cécillon, the orchard is certified biodynamic, preserving the ecosystem and producing exceptional quality fruit. Johanna practices natural fermentation, using no added yeasts or sulfites to allow the true flavor of each apple variety to shine. A dedication to biodynamics reflects Johanna's commitment to safe farming practices for the entire ecosystem - people, animals, plants and the environment.

The Ciders of Domaine Johanna Cécillon

  • Poiré – 5% A delicate pear cider, or "poiré," that combines subtle tannins with a soft, dry finish. Aged for two years, it boasts a complex minerality, capturing the terroir of Brittany with every sip.
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  • Divona – 5% This cider is crafted from acid-forward apples, bringing a refreshing minerality and gentle sweetness. With a very low bitterness, Divona offers a light and dry profile that balances softness with crisp fruit notes.
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  • Toutatis– 7% Aged in Saint Joseph wine barrels, Tutatis is an innovative cider with rich oak flavors that enhance its complexity. This cider features subtle hints of white wine, bringing an added layer of depth and sophistication to the apple-forward character.
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  • Taranis – 8% Taranis is a blend of perry and cider and aged in Syrah barrels, offering an amber hue and distinctive, refined tannins.
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  • Nerios – 5% Nerios is a tribute to the traditional cider-making heritage of Brittany. Made from heritage apple varieties, it has a robust tannic profile, warm amber color, and offers a classic, rustic flavor with layers of depth and a lingering finish.

Contact Info for Domaine Johanna Cécillon

Domaine Johanna Cécillon welcomes visitors by appointment to experience the ciders firsthand and enjoy a tranquil orchard tour. Purchase is available on-site, or find their ciders internationally.

Mentions in this Cider Chat


There’s a whole world in a glass of cider, and Cider Chat is your invitation to explore it. Hosted by award-winning cidermaker and writer Ria Windcaller, this podcast travels far beyond the bottle to meet the people who make the global cider culture so vibrant. Each conversation is a journey-you might find yourself in a heritage orchard learning the history of forgotten apple varieties, in a bustling taproom with an importer explaining regional traditions, or in a kitchen with a chef pairing cider with unexpected foods. The discussions get into the delightful nuances, too, whether that’s the semantics of what we even call this drink or how the concept of terroir translates from soil to sip. It’s not just about production; it’s about the community, the travel, and the stories that fermentation unlocks. This is for anyone curious about the craft, history, and sheer enjoyment of fermented apple juice in all its forms. So, pour a glass and settle in for a series that feels like a wide-ranging, informative, and genuinely good-humored chat with friends who happen to be obsessed with cider. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for every effervescent, tart, or sweet sip, hearing directly from the growers, makers, and enthusiasts who are shaping this drink’s exciting present and future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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