A Cognac may be sold only when its youngest eau-de-vie reaches a minimum of two and a half years old, as of the first day of October following the harvest of the grapes.
Only the years of storage in oak barrels count to determine its age.
Once transferred into glass, the Cognac stops maturing. It stands still.
A V.S (for Very Special), also called *** (or Three Stars) is a cognac which youngest eau-de-vie is at least two and a half years old.
A V.S.O.P ( for Very Superior Old Pale), also called Reserve, is a cognac which youngest eau-de-vie is between four and a half and six and a half years old.
A Napoleon, or X.O (for Extra Old ), also called Hors d'âge, is a cognac which youngest eau-de-vie is at least six and a half years old.
Most Cognac houses will use Cognacs much older than those required by law, allowing X.Os to reach a minimum of twenty years old, in order to reveal their very best.
Jean Grosperrin -1973- Petite Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Powerful floral and honey aroma. It is light and frank on the palate, with a liquorice and ginger finish.
Jean Grosperrin -1974- Petite Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Powerful honey and ripe fruit aroma. It is frank and smooth on the palate, dominated by ginger with a light touch of citrus fruit. Fruity and elegant.
“The 1974 cought our attention (…), that kept much of the sunshine but added some intriguing caraway notes”, Wine & Spirits, USA, 2006.
Jean Grosperrin -1976- Petite Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
"Feminine" character, according to some.
"A very typical and expressive cognac, de grande allure", Newzy, France, 2006.
Jean Grosperrin -1989- Petite Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
"I like the freshness and the structure of this cognac on the palate, long and fruity, still on the young side but with a good persistence," Andreas Larsson, 2008.
Jean Grosperrin -1989- Petite Champagne 35cl
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
"I like the freshness and the structure of this cognac on the palate, long and fruity, still on the young side but with a good persistence," Andreas Larsson, 2008.
Le Réviseur - Aged 10 Years
Light amber in colour.
The first nose is characterised by spice and toasted notes. They intensify and are complemented by hints of pastry and confectionary.
A very clean elegant palate displays excellent balance and a touch of oak at the finish.
Le Réviseur - XO
Amber in colour.
The initial nose has soft oak and vanilla. The nose develops to a very elegant ‘rancio’ with delicious dried fruit and nut aromas.
The palate is soft and lingering with liquorice and ‘rancio’ flavours.
Many awards at spirits competitions.
Normandin-Mercier - Vintage -1976-
PETITE CHAMPAGNE MILLESIME 1976
SINGLE VINEYARD SINGLE VINTAGE. (Vignoble et année uniques)
Roullet - Très Rare n°45 Petite Champagne
A dry and tasteful well matured cognac, distilled just after World War II, introducing a delicate fruitiness and charm of the past.
