Northwestern France is home to some of the world's best cider. The cold damp climate of Normandy is great for apples but not for grapes so cider and Calvados (apple brandy) are produced there. This traditional cider drinks like a wine, it is dry, crisp and light. Terrific well chilled on its own, with spicy Asian influenced dishes or northwest French classics such as savory or sweet buckwheat crepes.