R.A.S. Wines Bluish Cider: A Tasty Blend of Apples & Blueberries From Maine

Are you a fan of Cider? Cider is commonly produced from apples (and sometimes other fruits), and it can be sweet or dry, still or sparkling. It has a lengthy history in New England, and was extremely popular during the Colonial period. The popularity of cider decreased over the years so that by Prohibition, cider production was already very low. However, in recent decades, the popularity of cider has boomed, and artisan producers have been creating some intriguing and delicious ciders.   

Located in Portland, Maine, R.A.S. Wines produces a variety of wines, most made from locally-grown wild blueberries and sometimes other fruits as well. R.A.S. are the initials of the surnames of the winemakers involved in this endeavor: Dan Roche, Joe Appel and Emily Smith. Their website states: "We are committed to Maine people, land, and fruit, and that’s what produces all our wines." It also states, "Each wine we make shares a common spirit: forthright, pure, complex, balanced, and authentically reflective of the place it comes from."

Their first wine was released in 2021, and they currently have about six products, including Still Blue (a still blueberry wine), Wild (a bubbly blueberry wine in a can), Source Decay (a sparkling blueberry wine), Arkadia (a sparkling blueberry wine), Bluish, and A7 Americano (an aromatized blueberry wine). Their website also notes: "All of our blueberry wines are made from a field blend of several wild, low-bush varieties, yielding complex flavors that express the unique character of Maine."

The Bluish ($22.99) is a wild apple and blueberry cider, produced from sustainably grown fruit. The Golden Russet apples come from The Apple Farm in Fairfield, Maine while the blueberries are from    the Passamaquoddy Wild Blueberry Company (PWBC) in Columbia Falls, Maine. The PWBC, which has been in operation for over 40 years, is owned, managed, and staffed by members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe.   

The blueberries were harvested and pressed in August 2024 while the apples were harvested and pressed in November 2024. The fruits were co-fermented naturally and then aged in used oak barrels for eight months before being blended and bottled in June 2025. Secondary fermentation occurred in the bottle, providing a light effervescence. Only 140 cases of this cider were made, a limited product, in 750ml bottles topped by a crown cap. 

With only a 5.5% ABV, this cider has a golden color with red highlights, almost like a Rosé. On the nose, the alluring aroma of blueberries is most prominent, but there are subtle apple notes too. When you taste this wine, you'll find that it's dry and delicious, with bright blueberry flavors accented by a backbone of crisp apple flavors. It's elegant and nicely balanced, with a mild effervescence, almost like some Vinho Verde. There's light tannins in the cider, and the oak influence is very mild and nicely integrated into the cider. 

I'm impressed with this cider, and it paired very well with a pork tenderloin. It's food friendly, and I can see it working with any type of pork, a duck breast, or even some seafood. I've enjoyed a couple bottles of the Bluish, and those I shared it with really enjoyed it as well.  

This cider is currently available at Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet in Melrose.