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.
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.
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 - 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.
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.
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 - N° 67 Fins Bois
Collection Cognac
Expressive, mushroom and mocha nose. Powerful and oily on the palate, notes of wood, liquorice. Generous and rich finish, slightly peppery. Rather rustic character.
Rough from cask.
Jean Grosperrin -1968- Fins Bois
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 -1970- Grande Champagne
Collection Cognac – Artisan Vintage
Same origin as the Grande Champagne 1980 and 1971. This batch was aged in a very old ORECO warehouse located in Fins Bois. Some barrels were reduced, others were not.
Reduced.
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.
