CLAUDE CHATELIER VSOP COGNAC

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.

A blend of eaux-de-vie aged a minimum of two years, the Gautier VS Cognac embodies the first aging of Cognac carefully crafted by the Cellar Master of Maison Gautier, Isabelle Couprie. Its harmony is due to the careful blend of Fins Bois and Bons Bois eaux-de-vie that creates a perfectly balanced taste, somewhat unusual in such a young Cognac, combining the best of both crus. The Fins Bois is famous for its heavy soil, producing eaux-de-vie that age quite quickly and express a wonderful aroma of fresh grapes; meanwhile, the coastal location of the Bons Bois gives a rustic, down-to-earth character. Judging by its astounding collection of awards and medals, the quality of this VS expression certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by experts around the world.

Based on the Osme river in the town of Aigre, Gautier Cognac is amongst the oldest Cognac houses. Their casks lay resting in an 18th century water mill, providing a humid microclimate that creates a pronounced flavor. The Gautier family are passionate about the skill of aging; their relationship with the importance of wood goes back to their 17th century ancestors who were forest owners near Tronçais. In 1644, Charles Gautier married Jacquette Brochet, a winemaker’s daughter, bringing together the skills and expertise of two families to create Gautier Cognac.