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.
Leyrat - Très Vieux
Deep old gold in colour.
The nose epitomises Cognac having been aged for a prolonged period with a panoply of spicey and cigar-box aromas. With time oakier notes appear and damp leafy humus with a hint of forest mushroom.
The palate is long and spicy with honey and a slightly dry finish typical of such venerable Cognac.
Leyrat - Extra
Old gold in colour.
The nose has remarkable floral freshness with leafy undertones.
This first impression yields to fine spice, notably cinnamon and pronounced aromas of stewed fruit and quince. The palate is exceptional for its smoothness, packed with peach and apricot flavours and with a hint of resin and honey in an elegant and powerful finish.
Le Roch - XO Fine Champagne
The nose is prune, cinnamon and liquorice.
The tannins are supple, oily and silky on the palate.
No bitterness. There is a distinctive smoky scent.
Le Roch - VSOP Petite Champagne
This is a 10 years old cognac with an amazing bouquet, making it one of the best in its class.
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.
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.
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 - 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 - 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 - 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.
