Ask for a glass of cider in Frankfurt and you will probably get something that surprises you. It is dry, sour, cloudy and served at the table in a glass with a diamond pattern. Locals call it Apfelwein, and in the Hessian dialect you will also hear Ebbelwoi or Äppler. We make our own version at Obstbaum, and it has been on our wine list for years.

Where it comes from

Apfelwein is a specialty of Frankfurt am Main. The old town district of Sachsenhausen is the best-known home for it, with taverns that pour it straight from stoneware pitchers. The drink has been made there for several centuries, from the apples that grow on meadow orchards around the city.

How it differs from American hard cider

• Tartness. Most American hard cider is sweetened or sparkling. Apfelwein is typically still, dry and sharp, with tannin from the apple skins.
• Strength. Traditional Apfelwein is usually lighter than grape wine, often around 5 to 7 percent alcohol.
• Serving. It is poured from a pitcher called a Bembel into a ribbed glass, and often mixed half and half with sparkling water as a Sauer gespritzt.
• Food. It is a table drink, built to go with roast pork, sausages and cheese rather than to be sipped alone.

Our Apfelwein

We make ours from a blend of the apples grown here in Salem. It has a bold, refreshing taste, and because it is fermented with live yeast, it is best finished soon after opening. A 750 ml bottle sells for $14 at the store.

An apple wine for people who like dessert

We also make an apple wine that is quite different. Unlike a typical sweet mead, which mixes honey and water, this one uses our own apples. It pairs well with cheese, desserts or as an aperitif. It won a Bronze Medal and a Best in Class designation among fruit wines at the 2013 American Wine Society Conference. Our Montmorency cherry wine took a Silver Medal at the same event.

How to serve it at home

1. Chill the bottle for a couple of hours.
2. Pour into a small tumbler. Apfelwein is meant for plain, sturdy glasses.
3. Try it with something salty, such as pretzels, sharp cheddar or smoked sausage.
4. If it is too tart, add a splash of sparkling water or a bit of apple juice.

Our wines are available at the store or year round by phone at 734.560.2840. We do not ship wine. The full list is on the Our Wines page, and the cider mill page tells more about the orchard behind them.