Left Foot Charley (500 ml) Otterson Cider, Michigan
Item Number: 19668
UPC: 0-855002005382
Country: USA
Region: Michigan
Sub Region: Michigan
Appellation/AVA: Michigan
Estate Grown Wine: No
Grape(s): Otterson Apple
Type: Cider - Cider
Bottle Size: 500 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Crown Cap
Alc by Vol(%): 6
Residual Sugar(g/L): 5 g/L
pH: 3.5
Otterson is the name of a red-fleshed apple variety that was introduced to Left Foot Charley by a representative of the Michigan State University Clarksville Research Center. Steve Van Nocker, PhD, from MSU planted this cultivar at the research station to examine its viability in a variety of applications. Left Foot Charley was asked to make a small amount of cider with their program in 2017 to explore the commercial possibilities of using this apple. Thrilled by the results, Left Foot Charley has been partnering with them for these apples ever since.
Red-fleshed varieties were propagated throughout the 20th century in New Zealand and elsewhere, but they have a long history. They likely share a gene sequences found in an ancient apple variety called Niedzwetzkyana believed to originate in Central Asia.
The apples are crushed and pressed. They cider ages in stainless steel for about six months. The fermentation is straightforward to allow the character of the apple to shine. The resulting cider is dry and fruit forward with a beautiful garnet hue which comes entirely from the flesh of the apple.