Cognac

Claude Chatelier VSOP Cognac: a true expression of fine Champagne
An extraordinary expression of terroir, Claude Chatelier VSOP Cognac is classified as Fine Champagne, meaning that the spirits used all come from the Grande or Petite Champagne areas, with at least 50% coming from the larger of the two crus. The youngest component of the blend has been aged for at least four years, making this a balanced and structured Cognac, rich in notes of tobacco leaves, leather and spices.

As a brand of the House of Ferrand, the ethos behind Claude Chatelier Cognac is that the final product must always represent a true expression of the land from which it comes. The grapes are grown and harvested without mass production techniques, and each year the harvest is left to ripen naturally in dark cellars before being bottled at an optimal age.

Selected for their high quality, the grapes are pressed and transformed into wine before being traditionally distilled and slowly ripened until just the right moment. For the production of Claude Chatelier Cognac, only wines from the best regions are used; the result is a subtle and balanced Cognac that persists on the palate.

Achieving the “Outstanding” label Gold award at the famous International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2015, the Gautier VSOP is an exquisite blend of Fins Bois, Bons Bois and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie.

Described as “gourmand” by Gautier themselves, it boasts a beautiful blend of aromas, from warming winter spices to sweet candied fruits, with a delicate woody note of oak to offer an authentic touch to this relatively young Cognac.

Established in 1755, the Maison Gautier are one of the oldest Cognac houses around. They are uncompromising in their approach to Cognac production, putting their heart and soul into every blend.

Located next to the Osme river, the natural humidity of their cellars, which are located in an 18th century water mill, provides the perfect environment for their prize-winning Cognacs to mature, allowing their flavors to refine and intensify over time. Ran by a small team of passionate Cognac connoisseurs, these artisans work tirelessly to create the most masterful blends for your tasting pleasure.

For such a relatively young Cognac, this VSOP really does have a rather complex character, with notes of candied fruits, dried figs, vanilla and warming winter spices. The time spent in Limousin oak casks doesn’t go unnoticed during your tasting session, with the woody character being present on both nose and palate, it boasts a strong structure with a wonderfully long finish of subtle spices.

10 generations of savoir-faire and tradition are culminated in the Gautier XO Cognac, passing their knowledge down from father to son, preserving and enhancing their expertise while adding innovation with every branch of the family tree. This brilliant blend of eaux-de-vie has won countless awards, earning the prestigious title of World’s Best Cognac in 2015 at the World Cognac Awards.

What makes Gautier’s Cognac stand out from the rest is the cellars used for ageing their Cognacs. Located in a former water mill above the river Osme, the cellars hold a natural humidity, which many say is the secret to producing a richer Cognac, producing round and complex flavors as the Cognac gradually absorbs the tannins from the traditional oak casks they are stored in.

This wonderful XO opens onto a predominantly floral bouquet, with warming toasted notes balanced by sweet vanilla and honey, the distinct “rancio” character permeates between these sumptuous scents. On the palate, the sweet hit of candied fruits immediately awakens the senses, with wood and vanilla rounding out the delicate fruit flavors. Some spices and peppery notes persist on the palate in a long and spicy finish. The finish is lasting and consistent, a true hallmark of a high quality, well-aged Cognac.