Sponti is a spontaneous cuvée "“ a cross-regional representation of New York State terroir. Sponti's blend is always based on Northern Spy and native NE heirloom apple cultivars. 2020 sourced fruit from 2 orchards in the Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario regions of NY. 60% of the apples received 12-48 hours of maceration before pressing. Native fermentations kick off without temperature control and the cider is then aged for 6 months on the lees. Bottled by traditional method without disgorgemen

At a Glance

• Origin: New York, USA
• Varietal & Type: Apple Cider
• Vintage: 2020
• ABV: 9%
• Vineyard Soil: Various New York orchards
• USNW Classification: Pork dishes, sharp cheeses, charcuterie

Tasting Notes & Pairing

• Profile: Bright apple, tart, effervescent
• Food Pairing: Pork dishes, sharp cheeses, charcuterie
• Serving Temp: 40-45°F (Chilled)

About the Winemaker

Sundström Cider is a small cider producer based in New York's Hudson Valley, dedicated to crafting vinous, age-worthy ciders that reflect varietal typicity and individual terroirs.

Leif Sundström's path to cider began in Portland, Oregon's restaurant scene, where he developed an intimate connection to food, agriculture, and wine while running the beverage program at Le Pigeon. He later worked for Boedecker Cellars in the Willamette Valley, then moved to wine importing before making wine under Johannes Leitz in Germany's Rheingau. It was there, tasting honest German apple ciders, that he recognized the potential for mineral-driven dry ciders from heirloom Northeast varieties.

Farming & Cellar: Sundström sources traditional heirloom and cider apples native to the Northeast and U.S., approaching fermentation as meditation and improvisation. Working with native yeasts and minimal-to-no sulfur, with techniques like maceration borrowed from wine, the cellar creates ciders that bridge approachability with perpetual intrigue—vinous beverages meant for the table rather than the orchard stand.