The Story of our cider house

At Villa Torella, cider production is not just a craft enterprise, but a true commitment to restoring biodiversity. Inspired by the stories of his grandparents, winemakers in Italy, the founder wanted to honor this heritage. However, in Belgium, where the climate is less favorable for winemaking, he chose another path: cider production. This choice is not just an adaptation to the Belgian climate, but part of a broader philosophy of respect for nature. By cultivating apple trees and using the pollarded tree method, pruned at around two meters to promote biodiversity, Villa Torella creates an ecosystem where birds, insects, and fungi coexist harmoniously.

This approach combines agricultural production and biodiversity conservation. Each bottle of cider reflects this respected terroir and sustainable farming.

Step 1: Market Study

March 2024

The cider house project began with an in-depth market study, essential to understand the specific challenges and opportunities in the cider sector in Belgium. Before planting our first apple trees, we traveled across the country to meet experienced producers and gather valuable advice. Two cider houses had a particular impact on our journey: Cidrerie du Condroz, led by Roger Devon and his team, and Cidrerie Arborescence, led by Tanguy Naets and his wife. Roger impressed us with his ability to combine artisanal tradition and modern innovation, while advocating a deep respect for the land and nature. His meticulous attention to every detail of production, from apple harvest to bottling, reinforced our belief that quality and sustainability must be at the heart of our project. Tanguy, passionate about nature and committed to agroecology, showed us how to regenerate the environment while producing quality cider. His cider house is a model of an interconnected ecosystem where every element, from ecological practices to resource management, supports local and sustainable production.

These encounters had a decisive impact on our vision. We integrated key principles: respect for the land and biodiversity as pillars of our production, the importance of a meticulous and professional artisanal approach, and the need to innovate constantly while remaining adaptable to the challenges of the cider industry. These lessons strengthened our project, ensuring that every decision we make is rooted in a deep understanding of the craft of cider making. Thanks to the valuable advice from Roger and Tanguy, Villa Torella is ready to position itself as a new player in artisanal cider in Belgium, with a strong commitment to excellence and sustainability.

Step 2: Business Plan

June 2024

The design of our production site aims not only for operational efficiency and reduced environmental impact, but also to create a workspace that inspires and engages our staff.

The production site is adjacent to the orchard, and the agricultural machinery (tractors, etc.) is all electric-powered, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with harvesting and transporting. The building itself is energy-independent, with a rainwater recovery and filtration system, and solar panels to generate the necessary electricity.

Step 3: Choosing Apple Varieties

July 2024

The selection of apple varieties is a crucial step that reflects our commitment to biodiversity and cider quality. After conducting our market study and finalizing our business plan, we focused on selecting ancient local apple varieties, some of which are even endangered. These varieties offer several advantages, including their natural adaptation to the Belgian climate, which reduces the need for chemical interventions or intensive irrigation. By reintroducing these apples, we contribute to the conservation of fruit heritage while ensuring the long-term viability of our orchard.

Apple selection does not stop at climate adaptation. To achieve a balanced cider, we have carefully composed a harmonious blend: 30% sweet apples providing the roundness and sugar needed for fermentation, 30% semi-sweet apples adding slight acidity and aromatic complexity, and 10% bittersweet apples, rich in tannins, to give depth and astringency. This subtle blend ensures a rich flavor and well-balanced texture, meeting the expectations of the most demanding cider enthusiasts.

By choosing ancient varieties, we are doing more than producing quality cider. We are playing an active role in biodiversity preservation. These often-forgotten apple varieties are better suited to the local climate and help restore a threatened ecosystem. For example, we selected varieties with abundant blooms and compatibility with other apple types, promoting cross-pollination. This ensures not only more efficient fertilization and abundant harvests, but also better fruit quality.

Pollinators, such as bees, are essential to maintaining this ecological balance. By choosing trees that attract these vital insects, we enhance the sustainability of our orchard while ensuring a stable and environmentally friendly production. Each step of our production process aligns with our vision of agroecology, where each tree and each apple variety plays a role in nature’s protection. This journey towards rediscovering forgotten varieties and creating authentic cider is not only a tribute to our terroir but also a strong commitment to a sustainable and environmentally respectful future.