“BOSSARD” CALVADOS

From the Pays d'Auge, produced and aged in the heart of Normandy, the result of apple juice turned cider. Prolonged ageing in oak barrels serves to give this Calvados from Pays d'Auge all the fine, subtle aromas of apples.
Apple orchards and brewers are mentioned as far back as the 8th century by Charlemagne. The first known Norman distillation was carried out by 'Lord' de Gouberville in 1554, and the guild for cider distillation was created about 50 years later in 1606.
In the 17th century the traditional ciderfarms expanded but taxation and prohibition of cider brandies were enforced elsewhere than Brittany, Maine and Normandy.
The area called 'Calvados' was created after the French Revolution, but 'Eau de vie de cidre' was already called 'calvados' in common usage. In the 19th century output increased with industrial distillation and the working class fashion for 'Café-calva'. When a phylloxera outbreak devastated vineyards calvados experienced a 'golden age'.
The appellation controlee regulations officially gave Calvados a protected name in 1942. After the war many cider-houses and distilleries were reconstructed, mainly in the Pays d'Auge. Many of the traditional farmhouse structures were replaced by modern agriculture with high output. The calvados appellation system was revised in 1984 and 1996.
Process of fabrication
The fruit is picked and pressed into a juice that is fermented into a dry cider. It is then distilled into eau de vie. After two years aged in oak casks, it can be sold as Calvados. The longer it is aged, the smoother the drink becomes. Usually the maturation goes on for several years. A half-bottle of twenty-year-old Calvados can easily command the same price as a normal-sized bottle of ten-year-old Calvados.
Michel Dobbe, the founder of the House of Dobbe, has created a strong brand image, in which tradition and modernity are blended. Mr. Dobbe has acquired an unchallenged expertise in the selection of quality cognacs from the finest “Cru” of the cognac area.The marketing strategy of the House of Dobbe appeals to the younger generation with the creative and original packaging and advertising which faithfully reflect its positive and dynamic brand image.