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.
Château de Beaulon - Vintage -1983-
Over twenty years spent silently ageing in oak barrels has resulted today in this exceptional cognac. An exceptional cognac from an exceptional vintage.
Hine -1960- "Collector"
For each exceptional year, HINE sets aside casks specifically for vintages.
They are aged in 18th century cellars in Jarnac under two locks and keys - one belonging to HINE and the other kept by the Cognac authorities.
Hine -1975-
For each exceptional year, HINE sets aside casks specifically for vintages.
They are aged in 18th century cellars in Jarnac under two locks and keys - one belonging to HINE and the other kept by the Cognac authorities.
Hine -1981- Early Landed "Collector"
For each exceptional year, HINE sets aside casks specifically for vintages.
The Early Landed are aged in bonded cellars near Bristol (UK) under the guard of the local authority.
In 1981, Ronald Reagan succeeds Jimmy Carter, as the 40th President of the United States.
Hine -1983- Early Landed
For each exceptional year, HINE sets aside casks specifically for vintages.
The Early Landed are aged in bonded cellars near Bristol (UK) under the guard of the local authority.
In 1983, Australia won the America's cup for the first time in its history, the US having won for the last 132 years.
Jean Fillioux -1991- Private Collection
With his roots firmly planted in the pure, time-honoured tradition of his ancestors, a man content in the shadows and a conjuror of magical aromas, Pascal will be happy to welcome you into his cellars where you can discover and share his Collection Privée.
Jean Grosperrin -1944- Bons Bois
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Awarded 94/100 by Livets Goda (Sweden, 2008).
Unusual in this “cru” because of its lightness and its density. An astonishing vitality, smooth and round with a prune mouthfeel that will stay in your memory for a long time. The "petits crus" have also their wonders!
Rough from cask.
Jean Grosperrin -1944- Grande Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Same origin and history as the 1944 FINS BOIS. The feminine softness of the Grande Champagne area is confirmed here. Give it time to reveal itself; you will discover a delicate union between the stripped tannins of its roughness and the refinement of the flavours of the cognac.
Rough from cask.
Jean Grosperrin -1965- Petite Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Do you remember the Petite Champagne 1962 at 62.8°? This batch from 1965 was produced by the same person, distilled in the same alambic and aged in the same cellar. Like those of 1961, 1962 and 1964, this cognac comes from a family who has been located close to the village of Châteauneuf for nearly 80 years. This remarkable cognac was distilled in an old still of 10 HL powered by coal briquette. The records were particularly well kept and they were confirmed by C14 dating.
