The Charm of Kir Breton

Ah, the Kir Breton! Breton, of course, referring to Brittany, a region that holds a special place in my heart. My affection for Brittany runs deep. This picturesque corner of France, with its rugged coastline and rich cultural heritage, has always fascinated me. It is where my cherished nounou came from when I was a little girl, and it is where the iconic Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier was built. Brittany, with its unique traditions has always been a source of inspiration for me.

What is a Kir Breton btw?

The traditional Kir cocktail is made with crème de cassis (a blackcurrant liqueur) mixed with white wine, usually Aligoté wine from Burgundy. The Kir Breton, however, replaces the white wine with Breton cider. The magnificent Brittany is known for its cider production, so using Breton cider instead of white wine makes this version a regional specialty. “Kir Breton” means “Breton Kir,” highlighting the Breton origins and the use of local cider. Though the exact origins are unclear, the Kir Breton likely developed as Brittany’s local twist on the popular Kir, using regional cider for an authentic local beverage.

And, to make it even more special, I have added chestnut crème, a nod to my childhood spent in my Lot area. I remember the joy of tasting chestnut crème for the first time, its sweetness and richness leaving a lasting impression on me.

Choosing the Right Cider

When making a Kir Breton, the choice of cider is crucial. I always recommend opting for a high-quality, farm-produced cider from Brittany. The flavors of a good Breton cider are unparalleled, offering a crisp, refreshing taste that perfectly complements the chestnut crème. From the first sip, I am sure my Kir Breton will become a favourite among your family or guests, a drink that sparks conversation for sure!

History of Cider Making in Brittany

Cider making has been a tradition in Brittany for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, along with the neighboring Normandy region. Brittany is known for its long and proud history of cider production.

The Beginnings: 12th Century Maritime Influence

In the 12th century, Breton mariners brought back tannic apple varieties suitable for cider making to the monks of Landevennec, who selected and cultivated the best cider apple varieties. The name for cider in the Breton language, “sistr”, dates back to the 15th century.

19th Century: Cider’s Rise in Popularity

By the end of the 19th century, as diseases impacted vineyards, cider became a more popular bourgeois drink in Brittany and the focus of research into improving production methods.

20th Century: Decline and Revival

In the early 20th century, cider production declined as wine regained prominence. After WWII, the French state even ordered many orchards to be uprooted as cider was used for gunpowder manufacturing. Only a few traditional orchards remained in Brittany to carry on cider making.

In 1996, the Cornouaille region obtained a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) appellation for its ciders, marking a revival of traditional Breton cider.

Modern-Day Cider Industry in Brittany

Today, Brittany has a thriving cider industry with producers like the Val de Rance cooperative, founded in 1953, which has over 400 members and exports Breton ciders worldwide.

Breton ciders are known for using traditional methods like layering apple pulp and cloth for pressing, and producing dry (brut) or sweet (doux) varieties from specific cider apple varieties.

A Tribute to my Childhood

The addition of chestnut crème in Kir Breton is my personal tribute to the Lot area, where I spent many joyful days all my life. The Lot region, with its chestnut trees and rolling countryside, is known for producing some of the best chestnuts in France. It is why I use chestnut crème, which adds a sweet twist to the Kir Breton.

A Toast to Brittany

Enjoying a Kir Breton is like raising a toast to Brittany itself. This region, with its rolling hills and scenic landscapes, produces some of the finest ciders in the world. Sharing a Kir Breton with friends and family brings a sense of joy and connection. It is a drink that invites stories and laughter and has to be enjoyed with moderation, of course..