The French Sparkling Welcome Drink from Normandy
A Refreshing Alternative to Traditional Sparkling Wine
What is Sparkling Pear? Sparkling Pear is one of Normandy's most distinctive and traditional sparkling drinks, crafted with patience, expertise, and a deep respect for the land. Our Sparkling Pear is produced by a small family run distillery in South West Normandy, within the Domfront region, an area renowned for its centuries-old pear orchards and recognised as the home of Poiré Domfront AOP. Unlike many modern fruit beverages, Sparkling Pear is organic and made according to traditional methods that have been passed down through generations, requiring time, skill, and an intimate understanding of the orchard.
The production process begins in the autumn when the pears reach full maturity. The principal variety used is Plant de Blanc, a historic pear variety that is unique to the Domfrontais region and essential to the character of authentic Sparkling Pear. Plant de Blanc pears are naturally rich in tannins and delicate aromas, providing the structure, elegance, and complexity that distinguish Sparkling Pear from ordinary pear ciders. These pears are often blended with other traditional pear varieties grown in the orchard to achieve balance and consistency while preserving the authentic regional character of the drink.
The orchards themselves play a vital role in the quality of the final product. The trees grow in traditional high-stem orchards on the granite and schist soils of southern Normandy. These well-drained soils encourage deep root development and allow the trees to draw minerals and nutrients from the subsoil, contributing to the freshness, balance, and subtle complexity found in the finished Sparkling Pear. The combination of the local climate, natural grassland, and mineral-rich soils creates ideal growing conditions that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere.
Sustainability and respect for nature are at the heart of the production process. No synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilisers are used in the orchards, making it a pure organic drink. Instead, cattle graze freely beneath the trees throughout the year, naturally maintaining the grass and enriching the soil. This traditional agro-pastoral system has been practiced in Normandy for generations and creates a healthy ecosystem that benefits both the orchard and the surrounding environment. The result is fruit that develops naturally, expressing the true character of the terroir without unnecessary intervention.
Once harvested, the pears are carefully selected, milled, and pressed before undergoing a slow fermentation. The process is deliberately unhurried, allowing the natural sugars and aromas to develop fully. Traditional Sparkling Pear production can take many months from harvest to bottling, with the sparkling maturing slowly to achieve its characteristic finesse. Secondary fermentation in the bottle creates the gentle natural sparkle for which Sparkling Pear is celebrated, producing fine, elegant bubbles rather than aggressive carbonation.
The finished Sparkling is light, refreshing, and beautifully balanced, offering delicate floral aromas, subtle notes of fresh pear, and a crisp mineral finish. Its natural acidity and fine effervescence make it exceptionally versatile, pairing wonderfully with seafood, soft cheeses, charcuterie, and light desserts. Above all, it is a true expression of Norman heritage: a drink shaped by traditional orchards, historic and organic pear varieties, sustainable farming practices, and generations of craftsmanship.
Looking for something different from the traditional glass of fizz?
Norman Soul Sparkling Pear has become a memorable welcome drink for couples wanting to offer guests something elegant, refreshing and unexpected.
Read our feature in Essex Wedding Magazine.
🍐 100% Pears
Made using traditional Plant de Blanc pear varieties from Normandy.
✨ Naturally Refreshing
Light, crisp and beautifully balanced.
🥂 Perfect for Celebrations
Ideal as a wedding welcome drink, aperitif or summer occasion.
Calvados § Liqueurs
What is Calvados brandy? Named after the Calvados county in Normandy, Calvados spirit is a premium apple brandy with roots dating back to 1553 when cider was first distilled into eau-de-vie by local farmers.
Similar to Cognac, Calvados brandy is protected by an Appelation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) ensuring its authenticity and heritage. Our product are 100% natural.
Maps of Calvados producers
We partner with independent, family-owned distilleries based in the Domfront region, preserving traditional methods and great quality products.
Bestseller
Norman orchard
There is a hundred types of pears and apples , our orchard in Normandy uses thirty different variety for each fruit. They fall within four different category, some will be sweeter, some more dry, other acidic, or just tangy.
The soil is also very important into the final fruit as granite soil will give a complete different acidity as oppose to a clay soil. Here, there is no pesticide or fertilizer used, everything comes from the cows wondering around.
The combination of these help the distiller to find a good balance to make a good Calvados.
Crushed and distilled
Harvest season starts in autumn, around September up to December for late variety, and when the fruit is on the floor. Farmers uses machinery with light brush, but for centuries, farmers were using their hands! Pears and apples will be blended, and then crushed together to produce a fresh juice.
Instead of aggressively tearing the fruit, air pressure slowly presses the apples, extracting juice while preserving aromatics and natural freshness. This method limits oxidation, avoids excessive bitterness from skins and seeds, and produces a cleaner, more expressive juice. For distillers, it means better control over flavour, texture and balance, allowing the character of each apple variety to come through clearly.
This will be then turned into an apple or pear cider, fermented and distilled one single time in a copper alembic within a few months.
Ageing
Calvados is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years, allowing it to develop a unique flavor profile.The flavor of Calvados is a captivating journey.
Younger expressions offer bright, fresh pears and apples and floral notes with a crisp acidity, while well-aged Calvados, above 8 years, reveals richer layers of baked apple, vanilla, warm spices, caramel, and even hints of toasted nuts and dried fruit.
This evolution in flavor, combined with its fruity brightness and oak-induced complexity, makes Calvados a versatile and sophisticated spirit. Now, you know what is Calvados!
Orchard § Fruit diversity
Calvados is defined by its fruit. A blend of apple and pear varieties brings depth, balance and natural complexity to the spirit.
Slow distillation § ageing
Careful distillation captures the pure expression of the fruit, followed by patient ageing in oak barrels. Time softens the spirit, layering notes of orchard fruit, spice and wood.
Origins matter
From the soils beneath the trees to the climate of Normandy, Calvados reflects its origin. Each bottle carries the character of the Domfront region and the land it comes from.
What about Apple and Pear liqueur?
Apple § Pear liqueurs
Pommeau is made by blending fresh apple juice with young Calvados, a process known as mutage, which stops fermentation and preserves the natural sweetness of the fruit. The mixture is then aged in oak barrels for 6 months, where the juice and Calvados slowly marry, gaining roundness, depth and subtle notes of spice and wood. The result is a smooth, and gently sweet aperitif.
Tip: you can also top it up with Champagne or Prosecco!
Our Pear liqueur follows a similar process. This is made by blending a young Pear Calvados aged for 2 years in French oak barrels, then blended with a pear juice from the year we harvest, and put back into French oak barrels for 2 more years.
Traditionally served chilled - perfect before dinner, paired with wonderful cheese or with dessert.