Celebrating the creation of new cognacs.... Market News ... The new Hennessy is a whiskey....What is shaking Cognaçaise viticulture?

Celebrating the arrival of new cognacs Little rumours and large revolutions in Cognac. Hennessy whiskey. Is Remy Martin Vodka next? Cognaçaise viticulture, relying mostly on the main Cognac houses, faces a serious overproduction problem.

From most casual to most exclusive: the new cognacs The creativity of the Cognaçais is not to be sniffed at. The last few weeks have seen an increase in the launching of new products, especially in the category of long drink and new age (see our last news issue), just in time for the holidays. Spurred on by the great success of the 1979 vintage, Frapin launched a 1982 vintage, certified by the BNIC, and bottled at the property. This particular year was exceptional by virtue of its early maturing, and its alcoholic strength. In fact, the fine lees used in the distillation brought an extremely rare combination of rich and varied aromas to the eaux-de-vie. A traditional ageing period of a few months in new barrels was followed by 15 years in barrels in humid cellars have enabled us to offer you this very limited run of 35cl bottles. A limited amount of this vintage has been reserved for our readers. . Please, make your reservations now. New decanters in the Marcel Ragnaud range. The new range comprises, in particular, the new 'Ariane', a very elegant 50cl bottle, which is suited to the entire range of Cognacs from this prestigious Grande Champagne producer. The new crystal carafe, very solumnel, will delight those who prize quality of product above the dressings of presentation. Martell, who had already made quite an impression with European gastronomes with the 'Reserve de Chanteloup', has launched a Borderies Cognac onto the new age market. This bottle is primarily aimed at dynamic British drinkers, and will then be distributed worldwide. Long Drinks for the Holidays: Jules Gautret (Unicognac) has brought out a 'Cognac tonic' pack, consisting of a 50cl bottle of VS, a can of tonic, and a measuring glass. The price is expected to be 75FF (13USD). The Château de Didonne has brought out 'Equinoxe' : a VSOP Cognac specially made for mixing. In order to underline this, the bottle comes fitted with a screw - on top, instead of the traditional cork. Major events to shake Cognac city and market. Our net surfing friends will certainly have caught wind of the events which have shaken the town of Cognac over the last few weeks... Two events in particular draw attention : The Hennessy whiskey, and the difficult evolution of Cognaçaise viticulture. Hennessy, bolstered by its world no.1 status, and the huge renown of its products launched on the 15th October an Irish whiskey under the Hennessy trademark. This product is intended to re-gain the Japanese internal market, to the detriment of Suntory, which has been able to dominate all sectors of the market with its own 'Japanese' products (at least the bottle and the label, anyway!), in particular whiskies and brandies. This initiative was particularly badly received in Cognac. The BNIC perceives a strategy U turn, and a legislative issue, where the brand name will become more important than the product itself. If the tribunals judging the affair judge in favor of Hennessy, it will be the first time that the trademarks of the great Cognac houses have been carried on other products. When can we expect to see the Bacardi Cognac, and the Remy Martin Vodka? Cognaçaise viticulture faces a serious overproduction problem. Cognaçaise viticulture, which depends in the main on the great Cognac houses, have to deal with a serious overproduction problem. The causes are well known - too many vineyards, too well grown, and no climatic or health incident in 8 years. Not all will benefit from ideal conditions in the Cognac market. This brings about the need for the conversion of part of the vineyards for other grape varieties, such as the merlot, chardonnay, or sauvignon, used primarily for wine making. This common initiative, under way now for several years, has not actually started to have any real effect due to essentially political reasons. In the mean time, the situation has continued to go downhill, making the controlled, voluntary evolution into a traumatic process. The consensus in the region is that the situation has become a political stomping ground, and that the state, which should at least in part finance it, has merely served to hold it back. There are two positive aspects to be drawn from all this - for once, the Cognaçais wine growers are more or less united, and the new generation of 'bouilleur de cru' who have increased the number of initiatives, such as 'Cognac en Fêtes' have started to see real worthwhile effects. More to follow. Our previous news Around the world with Cognac Amateurs More news I wish to receive my complimentary subscribtion to Cognac Alert. Professionals : We shall be sending you targeted information related to Cognac trade and markets.