Frequin Rouge is a traditional and important French cider variety. It produces a strong bittersharp juice.
It originates from the extreme west of France, in the region of Bretagne, but is used in all the French cider-growing areas. It is a required variety for several "appellations", including Cornouaille in Bretagne and Pays d'Auge in Normandie.
Next deliveries: December 2023 - February 2024.
Like many French cider varieties Frequin Rouge is not particularly easy to grow. It is can be susceptible to fireblight, canker and scab in temperate climates. It also takes a few years for production to start, and it will readily lapse into biennial bearing - but if carefully managed it will crop heavily.
In traditional French orchards production on mature trees will be in the range 30-35 tonnes per hectare, which is above the average for French cider varieties.