Québec

Nomeclature and Regional Expression: Pomme de Fer & Red Winter Pearmain

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POM00002970PommedeFerCaliforniaImages of (4) different apple specimens from the NAL Library USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

4 specimens

Collected from 3 locales in 3 States:

California, Vermont, Maine

From 3 different North American growing regions

Nomenclature: Pomme de Fer and Red Winter Pearmain

“An interesting little apple, to which I may draw your attention later in the report on new fruits, is this 
Pomme de Fer, literally the Iron apple, which originated in the Province of Quebec. It is a small dark apple and keeps easily until June.” 1
 
“Nevertheless Quebec has enriched American pomology by the gift of an apple which has added abundantly to the wealth and comfort of the people of North Eastern America.  To know this apple is to appreciate its great beauty and its surpassing fine quality.  But one should have it grown in the islands of Lake Champlain or in Western Quebec to secure it in all its glowing beauty and in all its crisp lusciousness.  You have no doubt guessed ere this that there is only one apple meriting this description La Belle Fameuse.  Quebec Tradition – because precise history fails – tells us that the Fameuse came to us with the advent of the Norman colonists.  It is the characteristic apple of the upper St Lawrence valley and I might add of the Lake Champlain region.  Fruit growing in the Province began as no doubt it did in New England with the growing of seedling fruits in the gardens of those who had brought with them from the old land a love of horticulture. The early gardens of Quebec and Montreal were famous for their collections of apples and even of pears. From these early plantings many varieties of some local fame have originated.  In addition to the Fameuse and its large seedling progeny might be mentioned St Lawrence, Pomme de fer, and Canada Baldwin.” 2
 
 
 

North American Cider, Perry & Ice Wine Associations & Organizations

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A Listing of North American Cider, Perry & Ice Wine Associations & Organizations.

Last updated January 24, 2013.

Visit the websites for detailed information about members, membership, products, and events.

Cidre du Québec / Les Cidriculteurs artisans du Québec  CAQ “The goal of the Association of Independent Cider Producers of Québec (CAQ) is to defend the interests of cider producers and the Québec cider-producing sector. Visit our cider mills. The workers will be happy to let you in on the secret of how they bottle all that flavour.”                    
Province/Region: Québec, Canada                                                                                
Members: 47 makers listed

Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association GLCPA “The Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association (GLCPA) is a nonprofit organization formed to showcase and promote fermented apple and pear beverages and to help educate consumers and producers about them. Our members include both commercial and non-commercial producers, as well as affiliate members located outside the region. Come join us at one of our events and discover some of the finest North American ciders and perries!”
State/Region: Great Lakes Region: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ontario.
Members/Listings: Currently include 59 commercial cider makers listed in the GLCPA Directory

Hudson Valley Cider Alliance  “We are working to establish hard cider and apple spirits as signature products of this historic apple region. We are apple growers, cider makers, and distillers who believe that these products will fulfill the potential of the Hudson Valley as a cider region.”
State/Region: New York, Hudson Valley Region                                                                
Members: Currently includes: apple growers, cider makers, and distillers
 
Northwest Cider Association NWCA  “The Northwest Cider Association is a trade organization formed by cider producers throughout the Pacific Northwest in order to promote awareness of regional artisanal ciders among the public. The organization has sponsored classes and events, and created new cider-themed events, including an annual cider maker’s dinner, the Northwest Cider Festival, and Northwest Cider Week, a shared promotion of cider-themed menus, pairings and tasting events at numerous restaurants and retailers.
States/Region: Northwest: Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Canada                                        
Members: Currently includes 20 commercial cider makers
 
Ontario Craft Cider Association OCCA “We are in the midst of cider revolution and in 2012, Ontario`s cider producers formed the Ontario Craft Cider Association (OCCA) to ensure that local cider producers exceed consumers cider expectations and to educate the public about the incredible tastes, versatility and complexities of cider.  Membership is open to all Cider and Perry producers in Ontario and associate memberships are open to all.” 
Province/Region: Ontario, Canada                                                                                
Members: currently 13 makers listed
 
Rocky Mountain Cider Association  RMCA “The Rocky Mountain Cider Association (RMCA) is an organization of commercial producers of (hard) cider and perry in the Rocky Mountain region: Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. Our goals are to promote the understanding and appreciation of quality cider in our region, to help producers and suppliers find one another and work together for common goals, and coördinate events to develop the craft cider industry in our region.”
State/Region: Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico
Members: Commercial cider makers list pending
 
Vermont Ice Cider Association  “Ice Cider is a delicious and sophisticated sweet wine made from apples using natural cold weather to concentrate the flavors and the sugars of the fruit before fermentation. Originally developed in Southern Quebec, it has a remarkable complexity and balance that is usually associated with fine dessert wines.  Ice Cider is becoming recognized as a premier North American specialty.”                                                        
State/Region: Vermont                                                                                  
Members: Currently includes 6 commercial ice cider makers
 
Descriptive information quoted is from the specific organization’s websites.

Please leave a comment if you have North American cider association resources to add.