This tree is large, vigorous, spreading, and productive. It is very biennial tending and somewhat susceptible to fireblight, powdery mildew, scab, and canker. This variety is used exclusively for cider; it is not suitable for fresh eating.

Reine des Pommes ("Queen of the Apples") is a small, flattish, deep red apple that is netted with a bronze russet. It ripens mid-late season and will hang on the tree until it rots. The off-white flesh yields a clear bittersweet (douce amère) juice. From West County Cider: "Reine des Pomme is an archaic French Apple. We were struck by the taste–tannins and iron–that made it inedible, but intriguing for a cider. As a cider it has a deep, dark-fruit, honeyed taste. We blended it with our Dabinett to round out the tannins, and Redfield to add bright fruit and to balance to the bitter-sweets. Though blended, Reine des Pomme leads the taste, and the Dabinett and Redfield fall in nicely as supports. It is the fullest-bodied cider we have made."