A Cognac may only be soldy 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.
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.
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.
XO (for Extra Old ) , Napoléon, 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 -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 -1991- Bois Ordinaires
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
1991 Bois Ordinaires from the Island of Oléron
This vintage cognac (aged under state control since its distillation) is a fabulous expression of this soil, with the flavours of the wild coast, sunny beach and soft spices (or suntan cream?).
Jean Grosperrin -1944- Grande Champagne 35 cl
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.
Jean Grosperrin -1968- Fins Bois 35cl
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
"Very clear colour. The nose is very peppery and lemony, with later notes of violet and coffee and then of smoke. It is light and fresh, very slightly rough, and savoury on the palate, with the alcohol still sensible, and a constantly present mineral texture. It is a very fine product resulting from Fins Bois in calcareous soil. A discrete, secret and fine cognac," Le Rouge et le Blanc, 2001.
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 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.
Jean Grosperrin -1983- Fins Bois
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Nice mahogany hue. Classical nose, well balanced and pleasant. Tasted straight, the effect was very tannic ; mouth-drying and somewhat bitter. Water brings the oily notes forward (adding liqurice), introduces some white flowers notes. After a few minutes, the white flowers notes turn into fruity notes. Viscous, even waxy mouth-feel; some sweetness to start and then spicy (nutmeg, liquorices, cloves) and bitter (wreck wood). Finishes long and nervous.
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.
Jean Grosperrin -1958- Petite Champagne 35 cl
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
An old cognac which will astonish you by its complexity.
Awarded 91/100 by Livets Goda (Sweden, 2008).
Reduced.
