Humus - Sidra Garota Maçã-Pêra - 750ml

From the creative mind of Rodrigo Filipe at Humus Wines in the Lisboa region of Portugal comes the delightful Sidra Garota (Maçã-Pêra), a beverage that beautifully blurs the line between cider and perry. This is not a simple blend, but a true co-fermentation, thoughtfully composed of apple varieties, primarily the crisp Querina and aromatic Bravo Esmolfe, alongside succulent pears like the iconic Portuguese Pêra Rocha, Morettini, and Victoria. All the fruit is sourced directly from the Encosta da Quinta orchard, giving this cider a distinct sense of place and a character deeply rooted in its local terroir. For cider drinkers who appreciate authenticity, the Garota is a pure expression of fruit meticulously guided from orchard to bottle.

The creation of Sidra Garota is a masterclass in the "Ancestral Method," a technique that champions minimal intervention to achieve natural effervescence. The freshly pressed juice from the apples and pears begins transforming in vats, where a small, stabilizing amount of sulfur is added prior to fermentation kicking off with its own wild yeasts. The critical step comes when Rodrigo Filipe bottles the still-fermenting liquid, allowing the process to complete inside the sealed bottle. This single, continuous fermentation traps the resulting carbon dioxide, creating a natural and delicate sparkle without any secondary additions. The resulting cider is left in its most honest state—unfined and unfiltered, showcasing the raw beauty of the fruit and the traditional process.

When poured, the Sidra Garota presents a naturally hazy appearance with a gentle, persistent effervescence. The aroma is an inviting and complex marriage of the orchard, where the bright, zesty notes of fresh-cut apple intertwine with the softer, more floral, and honeyed sweetness of ripe pear. The first sip reveals a lively, textured palate, where the crisp, mouthwatering acidity of the apples provides a perfect counterpoint to the juicy, fleshy character of the pears. It is wonderfully refreshing and dry, with a clean finish that echoes the fruit and leaves a lingering impression of rustic elegance. Its unfiltered nature adds a subtle weight and depth, making for a satisfying and genuinely artisanal drinking experience.