4 Norvegians discovering Cognac distilleries
On last Thursday 07th January 2016, here I am under the traditional winter drizzle at Bordeaux airport to welcome 2 nice couples old Cognac lovers from Norway and guide them in Cognac vineyards and distilleries !
My contact have been submitted by a colleague, so big pressure for the success of this private tour in Cognac vineyards ! These customers have very specific requests and want to enjoy very old and unblended Cognac over 50 years ageing... So I had to scout around to make sure I find the addresses that correspond to their criteria.
After a little trip, here we are in Gemozac, near Saintes, for a quick lunch break, I invite you to discover this nice little restaurant with a very good value for price : The Lion d'Or.
Then we drove to Cognac Vallein-Tercinier to discover their beautiful tasting room but also their range of unblended Cognac "from the cask" with the superb "Lot 66", although my clients have preferred the "Lot 65" . Then drive to the Cru Borderies (smallest growing area in Cognac vineyards) to a confidential address they loved ... as much for the owner's welcome than for the Cognac dating back to the WWI time. It was rated as "Beyond their dreams"!
It's Saturday, January 9th, and the 2016 distillation campaign... I picked up my small group in front of the François 1er Hotel in Cognac city center before driving to the south to take part in the breakfast of the distiller at Chai du Rouissoir. Le Chai Rouissoir is a familial estate run by Hugues Chapon, president of the Association Les Etapes du Cognac. At the foot of the copper pot still being heated for the second distillation known as the "Good Heating", we find a table with snacks. We are waiting here charcuterie (hams and patés), white wine, coffee and tea ... While we share delicacies, the tin attached to the cooper swansneck by wax drops because the heat of the first alcohol vapors has melt the wax ... so aromas invade the room and we live there a unique moment!
After the first stop of our journey, we drive direction Celles sur le Né to discover the Cognac Esteve; exceptional very old Pineau and Cognac made from the family stock by Mr. Esteve.
Then country lunch on the estate with at Mr and Mrs Forgeron. Great moment of conviviality around a local meal. Then tasting of old and very old Cognac Michel Forgeron before hitting the road.
Quick stop at Guillon-Painturaud to buy a bottle of "Memories", a limited Cognac produced and developed with the stock of the great-grandfather of the current owner; my clients have told me that they had a revelation, the day they had tasted this Cognac for the first time ...
Finally, day trip ends in La Grange Du Bois, a small Cognac producer in Bourg-Charente who distills for himself and sells its production on his own.
Back on the airport of Bordeaux-Merignac on January 10th with many happy memories and bottles in suitcases!
To know more about my private Cognac tours,
don't hesitate to contact me !
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