Dancing Buffalo: Glace de Ballet

Interview with Carl Schmitter of Chateau Buffalo regarding his bottling and sales of hard cider:

BRO: I am aware that you make a Dancing Buffalo ice wine, but when did you decide to produce hard cider?
 
Carl Schmitter: I've been producing hard cider at Chateau Buffalo for four years now. The ice wine was actually an afterthought from making the hard cider. The ice wine is made from the same apples as the hard ciders.
 
For those who are not familiar with this type of cider, what can they expect?
 
We've been working on several hard ciders for differing palettes. For those who like a dry cider, we have ciders made with Balwin and Dabinette apples. A sparkling cider is also offered. Sweeter hard ciders include our Mambo and Broadway Boogaloo, both from blends of local apples. Our Perry Pirouette (to be bottled soon) is made from local pears.
 
Where do the ingredients come from?
 
Local ingredients are utilized exclusively. Several local apple growers from the northern counties are supplying us with cider apples. Apples grow very well along the shores of Lake Ontario.
 
Who is involved with the process and where does it take place?
 
Hard cider production differs little from wine production. Similar techniques are involved, although cider can be bottled at a younger age. The apples are pressed at the farm or mill, then we craft the ciders on location at our Hertel Avenue address.
 
What sort of food goes well with the cider?
 
Any food that you would enjoy a white wine with will pair well with cider. I enjoy fish, poultry and even sausage. Cider is a great thirst quencher!
 
Is it seasonal?
 
We offer seasonal ciders, but our plan is to offer a good selection of ciders year round.
 
How much does a bottle retail for?
 
Most of the Dancing Buffalo ciders retail here at Chateau Buffalo for $9.99, with the Glace de Ballet Cider Ice Wine at $25. You can find our ciders served at Sportsman's Tavern, Pizza Plant and Clarence Center Coffee Company. Retail locations at Gates Circle Wine & Liquor, Caputi's Northtown, Midnight Liquors and of course on Hertel at Chateau Buffalo.

CHATEAU BUFFALO, LLC.
1209 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14216
716-873-0074
www.ChateauBuffalo.com