The History Comte Louis de Lauriston: An Unusual Story
Founded in 1962 to put an end to illicit distilling of Calvados in the Domfront region, the Calvados Comte Louis de Lauriston cellars today possess forgotten treasures dating back to this period of clandestine production: a unique range of vintages covering several decades.
The Domfront region has always been the cradle of agriculture on a family scale, marked by small farms separated by sunken lanes and impenetrable hedges. With its mixed woodland and pastures on a hilly terrain, the Domfront region has always lent itself to clandestine activities; Calvados has often been hurriedly distilled here on stormy winter nights when no officials were likely to venture abroad to check on the legality of the operation - until one famous night of 1962 when a group of zealous excise-men burst in on the bootleggers and caught them red-handed.
Within an hour dozens of neighboring farmers had arrived, mysteriously alerted to the fact that one of their number was in trouble. Outnumbered, the excise officials were forced to line up against a stable wall in the glare of the headlights of tractors and cars drawn up in a semi-circle around them. Fearing that the situation might deteriorate, some of those present sent for Count Louis de LAURISTON, then Secretary General of the local farmers´ federation, to ask for his help in finding a way out of the deadlock. After endless negotiations it was agreed that the fine imposed on the distillers would be suspended, on condition that a cellar was set up to store and market Calvados produced in full accordance with the law. Count Louis de LAURISTON undertook to carry the project through. Founder and first President of the CHAIS DU VERGER NORMAND, Louis de LAURISTON very soon handed over control to his Vice-President, Maurice CHEVRET, so as to devote himself to other tasks.
Since 1962, Calvados distilled at home by farmers, using traditional local methods, has been delivered to the cellars in Domfront, the "CHAIS DU VERGER NORMAND", and marketed under the "Count Louis de LAURISTON" brand name. It adds regularly to the stock of aging Calvados whose quality has been acknowledged by the award of 200 medals and certificates of merit.
In 1992 the Chais du Verger Normand joined forces with CHRISTIAN DROUIN S.A. for the production and sale of their Calvados, poirés, ciders and pommeau. In the framework of this agreement, Louis de Lauriston transferred the "Comte Louis de Lauriston” brand to CRISTIAN DROUIN, imposing just one condition: the quality of the Calvados should remain unimpeachable.
In 2008 Guillaume Drouin succeeded Maurice Chevret as Chairman of the cellars.
Domfrontais Calvados
Calvados Domfrontais are famous for their very fruitiness, due in part to the high proportion of pears, as well as the single distillation. Domfront Calvados differ from other Calvados appellations through its floral and fruity character and its mineral characteristics; they are very elegant Calvados.
Calvados Domfrontais AOC is made:
On schist and granite soils
With 30% of pears minimum
With a single distillation (column still use)
Apples and Pears
The orchards are situated in the neighborhood of the town of Domfront. In the autumn the apples and pears are knocked from the trees and gathered on the ground.
The large proportion of pears explains the originality of Lauriston Calvados, which is characterized by its fresh fruit flavors. 15 varieties of pears composed each crop. The “Plant de blanc” is one of the most emblematic (40% of the Domfrontais orchard).
15 Perry pear varieties
15m high
150 trees per hectare
25 ton per hectare
Pressing
The fruit is crushed in a mechanical grater and the pulp is taken to the press in jute bags. The fruit is pressed in the traditional way, with superimposed layers of bags separated by open racks.
Fermentation
The apple and pear juice from the press is transferred to wooden casks where it ferments slowly during the cold winter months. The sugar in the juice is transformed into alcohol and the cider begins to sparkle.
Distillation
After several months the cider contains no more sugar and is said to be "dry.” It is then ready for distillation. It is distilled in a column-type still, in a single pass. A clear spirit, with an aroma of apples and pears, runs from the still.
Aging
The cellars, created in 1962, contain oak casks and barrels. In order to preserve the flavors of fruit, only old barrels and recycled casks are used. The casks are mostly small so as to promote evaporation and exchanges with the wood. Thus, the Calvados ages slowly, progressively acquiring its natural amber hue, its subtle aromas and its length on the palate. The fragrance of fresh fruit is complemented by hints of preserved fruit and spices. The Calvados increases in concentration and richness.
Fine
Young Calvados aged over two years in oak casks.
Very fruity nose and taste of apples and pears.
To be served on the rocks, as a cocktail or as a long drink, ideal for cooking or for granités.
Awards
Gold Medal, Concours International de Lyon 2015
Gold Medal, Gilbert & Gaillard, 2015
Réserve
A blend of Calvados aged over three years in oak casks.
Tasting Notes
The nose is dominated by fruit (apples and pears) with some spices such a cinnamon originating in the ageing.
Mouth with a supple, slightly woody structure.
This Calvados is perfect for "Trou Normand", granités or with a Norman dessert.
Awards
Best Domfrontais, “"Muddled nose with lots of different aromas - apples, pears, vanilla and spice. Great complexity, crisp but with a rich biscuit nuttiness.” World Calvados Awards 2021
Gilt Medal, Vimoutiers 2017 (France)
Gold Medal, Gilbert & Gaillard 2016 (France)
Gold Medal, Vimoutiers 2015 (France)
Gold Medal, I.W.S.C. London 2013 (Grande Bretagne)
« Grand Prix d'Excellence », Vinalies Nationales 2010 (France)
Gold Medal, Paris 2009 (France)
100% Poire
Produced in the region of Domfront, under the Calvados Domfrontais Appellation, this Eau de Vie is made from the single distillation in a column still of a perry made from 100% perry pears. Aged 5 years in oak barrels.
Tasting Notes
Light golden color. Very fresh and fruity nose with flavors of pears and white fruits (peach). The mouth is elegant with a vibrant acidity.
Hors d’Age
Aged 12 years in oak casks.
Tasting Notes
"85/100 - Rather intense golden colour. Very ripe fruity nose, touch of spices at the back. Lovely texture on the palate, a full calvados; with an ethereal attack giving way to a stronger, spicy finish". Guide des Vins Gilbert & Gaillard - Edition 2010 (France)
"The topaz colour is completely brown, with no indication of orange, gold or rust: good purity. The opening nosing passes detect mature scents of cooking spices (black pepper, allspice, marjoram), tobacco leaf and spiced apple; following another six minutes in the glass, the aroma breaks open a bit more revealing traces of pear pulp, parchment, textile fibbers, and ok. The palate entry is delightfully sweet, yet fruity and lean; the midpalate stage is where the acidity kicks in, giving this brand a fine, lithe mouth feel and a crisp taste. Concludes drier than the entry". Rated as highly recommended **** Spirit Journal December 2006 - Paul Pacult
"Lauriston Hors d'Age : 30% comes from pears, which shines through. One of the three best calvados producers and this product is really swinging. This must be the Christmas present to yourself. Aroma of apples and pears, with a light overlay of chocolate. Also a nice wood impression, and a funny element of paint that you often find in a good calvados. Intense, but elegant with a long aftertaste. It rest and it rests". Review at http://www.dn.no/vinguiden/article81943.ece - in the online version of The Business Daily Newspaper - September 11, 2003 - Norway
Gold Medal, “Rich and buttery on the nose, with stewed apples complemented by caramel and oak. Citrus and floral notes, with just a hint of salinity, make for a complex flavour profile.” World Calvados Awards 2020
Gold Medal, Gilbert & Gaillard, 2017
Prize of Excellence, Vinalies Nationales 2016 (France)
Gold Medal, Vinalies Internationales 2016 (France)
Gold Medal, Gilbert & Gaillard, 2015
20 Ans
Tasting Notes
C.I.D.D. Formation à l'Oenophilie - A. Segelle - October 1997 (France):
Very fine color with a copper-amber-gold tint. Fine typical autumnal highlights (autumn coppices and undergrowth)
Nose: quite marked, like the first odor that greets a newcomer to Calvados when he visits a cellar where spirits are aged, an association of moss, wood, spices, wax, etc...
Palate: a first impression that is frank and at the same time appetizing, offering a smooth and generous opening to the veracity (virility) of the product. Strength to last many more years.
To be reviewed as an accompaniment to flambéed shellfish ... and also cigars"
« Deep golden hue. The nose is quite complex with notes of jammy fruits, spice and exotic wood. On the palate, dry, racy character with fruit recurring in the foreground. The finish is spicy, powerful and heady. Set aside for the end of the meal » Comments by Gilbert & Gaillard 2016
Vinalie Prize, Vinalies Nationales 2016 (France)
Gold Medal, Gilbert & Gaillard 2016 (France)
Les Parcellaires 12 years old, Arromanches-les-Bains terroir
Tasting Notes
The proximity of the sea creates a particularly temperate climate. The juice is 100% apple based and the distillation is done in a column still. The mouth is straight and frank. It is a dense and rich calvados, marked by notes of salted butter caramel and exotic wood.
Vintage 1994
Distilled in 1994, Bottled in 2024. Aged 30 years in oak casks.
Tasting Notes
Amber Color. A supple nose offering pastry flavors, plum and apple jam. Long lasting mouth, both round and fresh. Baked apple on the finish.
Vintage 2004
Distilled in 2004, Bottled in 2024. Aged 20 years in oak casks.
Tasting Notes
The nose is expressive and straightforward, marked by pear. It develops slightly smoky and woody aromas on the second nose.
The palate is intense, marked by fruit, with good length.
Press
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![Cellar row between stacked wooden barrels of Calvados]()
Calvados Comte Louis de Lauriston: Les Parcellaires
Les Parcellaires is a new unique range highlighting the specificities of each Norman micro terroir through Single Cask bottlings. Three first editions have thus seen the light of day.
