Quebec is home to many excellent apple ciders

If you are intrigued by cider, you — and your wallet — will be happy to learn that it is both tasty and inexpensive. I recommend going out to visit one of Quebec’s cider houses to taste the full range of what is out there. Domaine Lafrance in St-Joseph-du-Lac has a few ciders available only on site, which are excellent (Geneva sparkling and a strong cider called Jardin D’Éden). Both La Face cachée de la pomme in Hemmingford and Pinnacle in Frelighsburg also have a wide range of interesting and tasty cider derivatives. If you don’t feel like making the trip, good quality ciders from Pinnacle and Domaine Lafrance are available in supermarkets as well. Here are some Quebec ciders worth trying: Sparkling Cider Carbonated, Darra- gon dit Lafrance, Domaine Lafrance, Quebec Cider, $12.80 (4 x 330 ml), SAQ #11899314. Single-serve bottles make this a great replacement for a beer — or mixed with one for a Shandy. Touch of sweetness on the finish, but very fresh. Subtle apple notes. Serve at 5 C. Drink now. Food-pairing idea: apéritif Sparkling Cider, Crémant de pomme, Cidrerie du Minot, Quebec Cider, $11.35, SAQ #245316. This is the reference for me in the “light” sparkling category. At only 2.5 per cent alcohol, you can knock this back with abandon. You can taste the McIntosh: fresh, ripe and juicy. Because of the acidity, the sweetness comes out as pure fruit. Finessed bubbles and so refreshing. Serve at 5 C. Drink now. Food-pairing idea: apéritif, fresh fruit and sorbet desserts Strong Cider, Verger Sud, Domaine Pinnacle, Quebec Cider, $12.90, SAQ #10850551. The addition of a small amount of ice cider gives this a touch more texture than most of the still ciders. Aromas of apples with just a touch of honey. Very easy drinking and a great apéritif. Serve at 6 C. Drink now. Food-pairing idea: apéritif, pad Thai with shrimp Strong Cider, Dégel, La Face cachée de la pomme, Quebec Cider, $12.95, SAQ #10661486. Best-selling strong cider at the SAQ. Beautifully textured, this derivative of ice cider drinks is very much like a wine. Yet it is unmistakably apples, with just a hint of sweetness on the finish. Balance is perfect. Serve at 6 C. Drink now. Food-pairing idea: apéritif, goat cheese salad with endives Sparkling Cider Carbonated, Domaine Lafrance, $15.95, SAQ #10994782. While the bubbles are a bit rougher than some other ciders, it works here as they bring extra freshness to balance the sweetness brought by the addition of ice cider. Simple and refreshing, yet textured. Serve at 6 C. Drink now. Food-pairing idea: apéritif Sparkling Cider, Rosé, Michel Jodoin, Quebec Cider, $19.15, SAQ #733394. Perhaps spicier and more focused than the Lafrance Geneva sparkling, I love the Champagne-esque mouthfeel here. Very elegant sparkling that shows alongside apple, notes of strawberry and raspberry. Serve at 6 C. Drink now. Food-pairing idea: apéritif, tomato salad with bocconcini and basil, salmon tartare