Wines can be made from any fruit, although wine made from the apple is called cider, and wine made from the pear is traditionally called perry. Cider is currently the fastest growing segment of the alcoholic beverage market, and its cousin perry, marketed under the term “pear cider” seems to be following along for the ride.

These traditional names aside, what do you call cider and perry that has been infused with other fruits such as strawberries and raspberries? This is exactly where Rebello Wines sit with their Cheeky Rascal range of fruit ciders. Produced by traditional Italian agriculture and wine-making methods, Rebello are crafting new products outside of the established styles. Unlike most of the new ciders that are hitting the shelves, Cheeky Rascal products are made from 100% fresh fruit and this is evident by the high alcohol levels. These ciders are so strong that most of the range start at 8% abv.

Overall the Cheeky Rascal offerings are quality products. The cider and ‘pear cider’ are excellent with a nice bitterness provided from fruit high in tannins. The raspberry and strawberry products are also good, but not necessarily to my taste. I like my cider bitter and dry, wheras as most of the Cheeky Rascal range are so sweet they could be viewed as strong alcopops.

What is clear about these products is the fruit used is very fresh and the aromas of all the fruits carry through into the bottle. Owned and operated by Matt and Ruth Gallace, Rebello wines use produce sourced locally from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The Cheeky Rascal range consists of;

• Apple Cider
• Pear Cider
• Strawberry and Apple
• Raspberry and Apple
• Strawberry and Pear
• Raspberry and Pear
• Summerberry (a combination of Strawberry, Raspberry, Pear and Apple)

The Apple Cider is well worth seeking out if you would like to experience a cider which is a cut above the big brands pretending to be cider on the shelves of your local liquor shop.

rebellowines.com.au