The cider apple from La symphonie des vergers in Cublize

The symphony of the orchards in Cublize

A little corner of Normandy in Beaujolais

Originally from Normandy, the Fochesato family settled in the Beaujolais mountains at the dawn of the 21st century to create their own cider farm, "La Symphonique des vergers". Today, sheltered by a natural amphitheater composed of abundant hedges and wooded hills, the apple trees give their golden fruits destined for the production of juices, ciders and vinegars.

The story…

The influence of an agricultural tradition of excellence

Nadine, originally from Normandy, and her husband Gilles, lived and worked in the Lyon region when they decided to change their lives and become farmers. It was in Cublize, in the hamlet of Gravillon, that they acquired a farmhouse and agricultural land.

This career change is the culmination of a personal project: to perpetuate the ancestral know-how of cider makinga cultural heritage deeply rooted in theidentity of Norman familiesThe death of Nadine's father will motivate the launch of this adventure.

The desire to start operations on clean, pollution-free land will guide the choice of geographical location in the Beaujolais mountains the The first orchards were planted in 2001 et certified organic in the process.

From the origins of the Symphony to the present day

Envisioning a possible diversification of fruit production in the future, Nadine will name her farm with the lovely poetic name "The Symphony of the Orchards"She will also design the floral-inspired logo that can be found on the bottle labels.

Over time, the farm evolves while adhering to a set of guidelines: produce ultra-locallyFrom harvesting to processing the fruit, everything takes place on site, right down to cleaning the bottles, which are returnable.

In 2012, Joseph joined the company with his parents and his partner Johanna joined him two years later.

By visiting the site, by appointment only, you will discover a vast building with a Douglas fir timber frame from Beaujolais.

This new construction marks a turning point in the modernization of operations. From next year, it will house equipment and rooms, currently separate, to streamline the product manufacturing chain.

A corporate shop plans are also underway to accommodate the public.

The establishment of expertise, the transmission of passion

Marie Ménard, Bisquet, Fréquin Rouge…

These curious names come from the botanical repertoire of the cider apple family.

At the Orchard Symphony 7 hectares of plantation contain 35 different varietiesAll of them originate from the west coast of France. They are predominantly Breton, NormanOr Basque for one of them.

It's best to avoid biting into them as they are so tart, bitter or sour! Their aromatic bouquets are revealed when they become ciders, juices or vinegars.

A stroll through the orchard

As you wander through the sloping orchards, your eye is drawn to beautiful, bushy hedges, lush grass covered in dew, and the intertwining of the surrounding hills. The birdsong enlivens this "little organized paradise," a reflection of a symbiosis between plant and animal.

When water becomes scarce, the abundance and roots of plants thus prevent runoff. The slope of the hillside promotes air circulation and the grazing of the neighbor's cows ensures soil fertilization. These are all natural opportunities that the Fochesato family has been able to seize in order to limit human intervention.

To admire the orchards in bloomyou have to come between April and early June, then, wait almost the end of summer for discover covered in fruit.

The season of harvest rather late, lasts of mid-September to mid-October. Then came the beginnings of the production of cider products.

The time for transformation and manufacturing

Once picked and gone through the sorting stage apples are pressed mechanically. This work must be done quickly as it is essential to preserve all the qualities of the fruit.

Drawing on his expertise as an arborist, Joseph also has a thorough understanding of the typical characteristics of each variety, that the art of combining them to create gustatory alchemy. The consistency of flavorsThe recipes for the products are an integral part of the promise of the Orchard Symphony House.

The final step before bottling is the fermentation process. The duration varies depending on the recipes being considered:

– 18 months for vinegars after fermentation;

– 4 to 9 months depending on the cider after fermentation;

– 3 days for apple juice, the time needed to prepare the must, i.e. the juice in its raw state.

Good products and walks to enjoy them in the great outdoors

Juices, ciders, vinegars, but also…

Depending on their taste preferences, cider lovers will have a wide range of choices: sweet, semi-dry and dry.

cider vinegars are offered walks, Raspberry, or perfumed with the aromatic plants from the garden dill, basil, chives and tarragon.

Whether filtered or straight from the press, apple juices, with or without bubbles, are a delight.

Another gourmet expertise of the house, the sparkling with elderflower. The flowers come from the many trees that flourish, particularly in the hedges around the orchards.

Enjoy a snack at altitude in Monsols

If you ask Joseph about his favorite walks in the area, he spontaneously mentions the Mount Saint-Rigaud, summit of the Rhône at 1009 meters. here is a Suggestion for organizing a delicious afternoon tea there:

– prepare pancakes;

Place the bottles of cider and apple juice from La Symphonie des Vergers in the cooler beforehand. 

– to stop at the Beaujolais Terroir House of Beaujeu or, at the House of hiking and trail running at the Col de Crie to stock up on pancake filling, why not jam?

– Toast at the top of the tower of Mont Saint-Rigaud or spread out the checkered tablecloth for a snack!

Benoit Martin

Sporty hike and picnic at the Fairy Rock in Meaux-la-Montagne

Another favorite of Joseph's, the Fairy Rock in Meaux-la-Montagne a peaceful immersion in nature.

Starting from Grandris, the hike "Par La roche des Fées" long 17.6 km, allows you to take advantage of the fresh mountain air of the Beaujolais Vert region:

– prepare your hike for a sunny day;

– as an aperitif, take some apple juice or elderflower sparkling wine from La Symphonie des Vergers in your backpack;

– to put together your picnic, take a detour by car to Lamure-sur-Azergues to visit the shop Azergues Terroirrun by farmers.

Where can I find the cider products of La Symphonie des Vergers?

Directly from the farm, only by appointment or on the online store on the website.

Contact

👩🌾 The Orchard Symphony
📍870, route du Gravillon, 69550 Cublize
📞 Contact:
Joseph Fochesato
📱 06 99 09 13 79
✉️ symphonie-des-vergers@hotmail.fr