Last Updated: 5 November, 2026
Sakuho Terroir Le Pomme Du Mousse is a limited run orchard blend cider from Ringoya Suda that was first released in 2018. I evaluated their 2024 vintage, which won silver at this year’s Japan Cider Cup.
| ABOUT THE CIDER | |
|---|---|
| Domain | Minamisaku-gun, Sakuho-machi, Nagano Prefecture |
| Maker | Villa d’Est Garden Farm and Winery for Ringoya Suda |
| Apples Used | Some thirteen varieties including: Golden Russet, Granny Smith, Shinano Hoppe, Shinano Piccolo, Gunma Meigetsu, Ohrin, Suwako, Bramley, Akibae, Shinano Dolce, Shinano Sweet, Shinano Gold, Sun Fuji |
| ABV | 6.0% |
| Style | Secondary fermentation in bottle |
| Category | Modern Dry |
| Awards | Japan Cider Cup 2026 : Silver |
Ciders evaluated at Japan Cider Guide follow the American Cider Association‘s Certified Cider Professional Programme‘s Structured Sensory Analysis (below). Leave a comment if you have any questions about the Structured Sensory Analysis, or if you’re interested in learning how to become a Certified Cider Professional, contact me.
| APPEARANCE | |
|---|---|
| Clarity | Clear |
| Intensity (Appearance) | Pale |
| Colour | Yellow |
| Carbonation | Sparkling |
| AROMA | |
|---|---|
| Intensity (Aroma) | Light |
| Aroma Characteristics | Mineral, Shale, Yellow Flower, Grapefruit, Peach Pit, Apricot, Quince |
| PALATE | |
|---|---|
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Acidity | Low |
| Tannin | Low |
| Intensity (Palate) | Medium |
| Flavour Characteristics | Mineral, Grapefruit, Dandelion, Citrus Zest, Green Apple |
| Complexity | Medium |
| Body | Medium |
| Finish | Medium |
| FINAL ASSESSMENT | |
|---|---|
| Summary of above considering balance, integration, and character | This sparkling cider pours a bright yellow and is fragrant with a medium intensity of mineral, yellow flower, and stone fruit aromas. On the palate, it is refreshingly dry, low in tannins and acidity; tastes of green apple, grapefruit, and minerals work together to make a well-balanced, medium finish cider with average complexity and body. |
Honest thoughts before moving on…
I was somewhat impressed by the 2024 vintage of Sakuho Terroir Le Pomme Du Mousse. This one is significantly bright and invigorating, not too alkaline like some of its predecessors. Definitely worthy of the silver it was awarded, well done.
RATING: 75/100