Domaine Dupont is a historic family-owned estate nestled in the heart of Normandy’s Pays d’Auge region, renowned for its artisanal production of Calvados, ciders, and Pommeau de Normandie since 1887. With a legacy spanning over three centuries in the area, the Dupont family has cultivated 30 hectares of orchards, specializing in bittersweet and acidic apple varieties that thrive in the region’s clay and Oxfordian marl soils.
The estate’s commitment to quality mirrors the precision of winemaking, blending traditional methods with innovations inspired by Cognac production. Under the leadership of Etienne Dupont in the 1980s, the estate adopted double-distillation techniques and collaborated with oenologists to refine its processes, achieving a level of elegance comparable to fine wines. This dedication extends to meticulous practices such as manual apple sorting and aging ciders in oak barrels, exemplified in their vintage-dated offerings like the Cuvée Réserve and sparkling ciders crafted via the méthode traditionnelle.
Domaine Dupont’s product range is diverse, featuring:
- Calvados Original: A pale, fruit-forward A.O.C. Pays d’Auge Calvados aged for two years in exhausted oak casks, ideal for cocktails or pairing with desserts like dark chocolate.
- Innovative ciders: Including a triple-fermented craft beer-style cider, a sweet apple wine (Givre), and unreduced high-alcohol Calvados.
- Pommeau de Normandie: A blend of apple juice and Calvados, aged to balance sweetness and complexity.
The estate welcomes visitors year-round for guided tours through its orchards, distillery, and aging cellars, followed by tastings of its signature products. Seasonal events such as apple harvesting workshops (October), Easter egg hunts, and summer cocktail classes enhance its oenotourism appeal. Open Monday to Saturday (10 a.m.–6 p.m., with adjusted winter hours), the domaine also hosts gourmet dinners, musical aperitifs, and masterclasses led by local experts.
Today, the estate remains a global ambassador of Norman cider culture, with most of its production exported worldwide. Managed by Anne-Pamy Dupont following the passing of her brother Jérôme in 2018, Domaine Dupont continues to innovate while honoring its heritage, ensuring each bottle reflects the terroir and craftsmanship of the Pays d’Auge.
For further details, visit their official website or explore their online boutique for apple-derived products, including jams, ciders, and Calvados-infused chocolates.
Author: Editor
