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 -1971- Grande Champagne (réduit)
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
"A straightforward cognac," Saveurs, France, 2006. "Elegant nose with notes of hazelnut, chocolate, plum, and cigar box. Very lovely on the palate, fine structure with a nice freshness, mature flavours. Long and complex finish," Andreas Larsson, 2008. Excellent maturity and a certain fullness. The powerfulness of Grande Champagne combines with the maturity of ageing. A cognac to savour over a long time, sip by sip, eyes closed, in the tranquil peace of a late afternoon of November (…). Pure pleasure! Sommelier International, 2009.
Reduced.
Jean Grosperrin -1971- Grande Champagne Raw from cask
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
2009 release coming from the last unreduced cask! 65°2 of pure happiness with an extraordinary aromatic power. “Sparkling” nose-feel, with some notes of crystallized orange and spices, strong floral presence (jasmine, honeysuckle). Oily feeling in mouth in spite of the strong alcoholic level, surprisingly cooling. The plenitude of the ageing is at its maximum intensity on this non-reduced version. Finishes very long, with a return of spices. Very well-balanced cognac, for aficionados and cognac lovers.
Jean Grosperrin -1980- Grande Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Young yellow colour. Powerful and expressive nose (Folle Blanche?), light tobacco notes.
This cognac needs to breathe in order to fully express its complexity.
Almond and white flower nose.
Clean, vanilla and smooth on the palate. First rancios.
Jean Grosperrin -1980- Grande Champagne 35cl
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Young yellow colour. Powerful and expressive nose (Folle Blanche?), light tobacco notes.
This cognac needs to breathe in order to fully express its complexity.
Almond and white flower nose.
Clean, vanilla and smooth on the palate. First rancios.
Jenssen - Arcana - Grande Champagne
Arcana
A single, unblended batch of extremely old Grande Champagne Cognac, Arcana is what is left after hosts of angels have taken their share.
It is bottled on demand from demijohns into hand blown crystal carafes.
Jenssen - Carte blanche XO
Carte Blanche
Heady, floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle. Spice and zest of orange reveal its Grande Champagne cognac terroir; a hint of rancio, dried apricot and hazelnut bear witness of long years of ageing.
Jenssen - Epiphanie
Épiphanie
A blend of very old Grande Champagne Cognacs who have reached full maturity after ageing in oak barrels. Discreet at first, this superior Cognac then unceasingly reveals new sets of aromas to the discerning nose.
Jenssen - Hors d'Age
Jenssen Hors d'Age
A single, unblended batch of Grande Champagne Cognac at the term of its ageing in oak barrels, bottled from demijohns. Naturally reduced, without additives.
Jenssen - XO Grande Champagne
XO Grande Champagne
A fully mature, old school XO. Decades of ageing realise the potential of Grande Champagne Cognacs and prove that they counterbalance even extensive use of new oak. Opulent rancio and notes of smooth, vanilla-like butterscotch from melted tannin are rarely found in ordinary XOs.
Normandin-Mercier - Grande Champagne Vieille
GRANDE CHAMPAGNE VIEILLE
Cognac d’exception, la patience et les années ont permis à ce 1er Cru de Cognac de s’assouplir
et de concentrer ses arômes pour exprimer toute la longueur et l’élégance de la Grande
Champagne.
