Fougerolles cherries ready to be picked from the tree - Fougerolles - Vosges du SudIn 2018, cherry growing and the distillation of Kirsch de Fougerolles were listed as part of France’s intangible cultural heritage. This national recognition highlights the importance of these age-old traditions handed down from generation to generation. In Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert, Kirsch is not just a simple spirit, it’s a veritable art of living!
A bottle of Fougerolles AOC Kirsch in the cherry blossom orchards - Vosges du Sud, Haute-Saône
Cherry blossom in Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert - Vosges du Sud
A man from the Paul Devoille distillery fills a glass of Fougerolles Kirsch - Fougerolles - Vosges du Sud
Bottles of Fougerolles Kirsch in the attics of the Paul Devoille distillery - Fougerolles - Vosges du SudFrom orchards in bloom to typical varieties such as Béchat or Chapendu, cherries can be enjoyed in all sorts of ways in Fougerolles. First with the eyes, with the magnificent scenery of the orchards in blossom in spring, then the palette of reds as the fruit dresses the trees. Then with the nose, as you inhale the heady, core-filled aromas of the brandies. And finally, with your taste buds, savouring the thousand delicious variations of this exceptional fruit.
Fougerolles cherries ready to be picked from the tree - Fougerolles - Vosges du SudAnd in Fougerolles, not just any cherries are grown! The growers cultivate different varieties of cherries and guignes. These small, sugar-rich fruits, such as Béchat, Caraude and Marie Jeanne, have been specially selected for their resistance to the vagaries of the weather and to disease, but above all for their distinctive flavours.
A tattooed woman in a straw hat strolls through the cherry orchards of Fougerolles - Vosges du Sud.But that’s not all. The other special feature of the Fougerollais cherry is the meadow orchards where the cherry trees grow. In the 11 communes covered by the AOC, cherry trees grow in orchards where cows graze peacefully.
A bucolic natural setting that contributes greatly to the picturesque charm of the countryside. These meadow orchards also comply with very strict specifications, guaranteeing the quality and authenticity of Fougerolles Kirsch. These unique orchards perfectly embody the successful marriage between tradition and respect for the environment.
In Fougerolles, the cherry harvest generally takes place between late June and early July.
Kirsch is a brandy made by distilling the best local cherries. It was awarded the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in 2010. This eau-de-vie is the fruit of a long and meticulous craft process, handed down from generation to generation. The magic happens thanks to the collaboration of different skills: cherry growers, distillers and distillers.
While the cherry trees go dormant, the distillers are busy during the winter season. They distil their harvest. The resulting beverage is then aged in special conditions, sealed in glass carboys known as “dames-jeannes”. Exposed to the thermal vagaries of the attics, the eaux-de-vie slowly develop the full range of their incomparable aromas.
Thanks to all these combined skills, Fougerolles Kirsch develops fruity, nutty, straightforward flavours that are uniquely its own.
Kirch can also be used in countless sweet and savoury recipes, from the classic to the most daring. Want to let your chef’s spirit shine through? Let yourself be tempted by the tasty ideas of the AOC!
Bottles of Fougerolles Kirsch in the attics of the Paul Devoille distillery - Fougerolles - Vosges du Sud
Distillation workshop at the Paul Devoille distillery - Fougerolles - Vosges du Sud
Bottle (bô) of Fougerolles Kirsch placed on the ageing barrels in the attic of the Paul Devoille distillery - Fougerolles - Vosges du SudBut Fougerolles cherries are not limited to Kirsch! Griottines will delight your taste buds from aperitif to dessert. These little wild cherries are pitted and macerated for a long time in a blend of liqueur and Kirsch until their flavours burst on the palate.
A real star of the aperitif table, they are also perfect in the most daring cocktails. Griottines® have more than one trick up their sleeve to enhance sweet and savoury dishes from start to finish.
Jar of Griottines from Fougerolles - Vosges du Sud
A man holds a tasting glass of Fougerolles Kirsch - Fougerolles - Vosges du SudFrom mojitos to frosted kirs, give free rein to your creativity with original cocktails featuring Schrik’s signature flavours! This new nugget has already won over fans of bold, refined drinks.
At Fougerolles, there’s no limit to the flavours you can create around the star fruit.
From bucolic orchards to attics where spirits are aged in precious bottles, Fougerolles will charm you with its natural surroundings. Why not combine this gourmet getaway with a visit to the Pays de la Cerise Ecomuseum? A total immersion in the world of local traditions awaits you! Located in a bourgeois mansion that once housed one of the region’s first industrial distilleries, the Pays de la Cerise Ecomuseum takes you behind the scenes of old-fashioned alcohol production. You’ll be immersed in the daily life and traditions of the distillers of yesteryear.
