THE DIFFERENT GRADES OF COGNAC
Understand what separates aged cognac from other spirits and learn more about the meaning of different ageing mentions of cognac and cognac quality grades.
AGEING OVERVIEW
“a bottle of cognac does not stand for ONE vintage but for the perfected composition of a blended selection of eaux-de-vie”
Before we start it is important to understand what – besides its strictly controlled regional origin – fundamentally separates aged cognac from other spirits: Rémy Martin cognac is representing a perpetual signature of taste. Unlike other spirits: a bottle of cognac does not stand for ONE vintage but for the perfected composition of a blended selection of eaux-de-vie.
The blending of eaux-de-vie of different ages and profiles is an inherent practice in the making of cognac, but we can only mention the age of the youngest eau-de-vie of the blend.
“Cognac is differentiated based on the duration of its ageing.”
“For a cognac to be classified as a VSOP, the minimum age of the youngest eaux-de-vie in the blend must be at least 4 years old.”
What began in 1927 as a truly visionary and audacious decision by Rémy Martin’s Cellar Master, André Renaud, to create very first VSOP Cognac Fine Champagne has become known as one of the brand’s most unique differentiator.
VSOP, “Very Superior Old Pale”, which is now common for all Cognac Houses actually dates back to 1817 British Royal Court.
So, what does VSOP stand for exactly? For a cognac to be classified as a VSOP, the minimum age of the youngest eaux-de-vie in the blend must be at least 4 years old.
Rémy Martin’s Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau orientates himself on creating the perfect harmony of powerful and elegant aromas for the final blend of the Rémy Martin Reference VSOP. In fact, it is Baptiste Loiseau’s incredible expertise and experience to create and recreate this distinctive signature sensation that all Rémy Martin cognacs carry with them – in the full collection, year for year, decade for decade.
Rémy Martin specializes in Cognac Fine Champagne, differentiating themselves by only using grapes from the prestigious growth areas of Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne in the Cognac region.
Compare the different
Cognac ageing
Cognac is differentiated based on
the duration of its ageing:
“XO cognac is the result of outstanding craftsmanship from the harvest of the grapes of Grande and Petite Champagne”
Rémy Martin’s Icon of Excellence XO cognac is the perfect expression of Cognac Fine Champagne opulence with its outstanding aromatic complexity of hundreds of eaux-de-vie blended together by the Cellar Master. XO cognac is the result of outstanding craftsmanship from the harvest of the grapes of Grande and Petite Champagne to the ageing in French oak casks,
for at least 10 years, enabling Rémy Martin XO cognac to express all the opulence of Cognac Fine Champagne.
The House of Rémy Martin thrives on decorating themselves purely with VSOP cognacs and the XO cognac – the Icon of Excellence offering only outstanding quality.
“The House of Rémy Martin thrives on decorating themselves purely with VSOP cognacs and the XO cognac – the Icon of Excellence offering only outstanding quality.”
There are numerous ways to enjoy Rémy Martin VSOP cognac
Classic and neat, served on Ice or in a cocktail. Pairing VSOP cognac with Ginger Ale creates a Fresh and Spicy Long Drink called the Rémy Ginger, the perfect long drink to showcase the versatility, elegance, and fruity aromas of Rémy Martin’s iconic VSOP cognac.
Or on the classier note, the Rémy Sour transforms a casual classic into a finely dressed original with Cognac Fine Champagne.
