History: Little is known about Muscadet de Dieppe aside from the fact it originated near the port of Dieppe in Normandy, France. It was commonly grown in the area since 1750 at least.
Why We Grow It: Considering this French cider variety was popular in an area known for its cider, it must be worth checking out. The juice is bittersweet and aromatic which is excellent in both single-variety ciders and cider blends.
Canadian Hardiness Zone: 4
Soil Preference: Sandy loam, loam, clay loam. Prefers average to moist conditions, avoid planting anywhere that floods for more than two weeks in the spring. Generally quite adaptable to different soil conditions.
Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: Moderately vigorous and resistant to brown rot.
Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)
Pollination: Requires a pollinator of a different apple variety that blooms around the same time
Flowering Time: Early
Ripens: Mid September
Storage: Does not store well
Recommended Use: Cider
- Class: Bitterweet
- Sugar: Medium, SG 1.058
- Acidity: Low, TA 3.1 g/L
- Tannins: Medium, 2.1 g/L
- Juice Yield: Medium
- Taste: Bitter but well-balanced, hints of sweetness and flavours reminiscent of fruit and grass
- Recommendations: Produces excellent single-variety cider and and mixes well with blends
Size including roots:
- 1 year grade 100-200 cm whip
- 2 year grade 100 cm+ with 3 or more branches, 30 cm or more
- B grade less than 100 cm
*Information based on Claude Jolicouer's The New Cidermaker's Handbook and Washington State University's "Cultivar Performance Gallery"