Du Peyrat Organic Cognac

The Distillerie du Peyrat has distilled Cognacs for several decades

but the family has been present as distillers in the Charente region since 1705. After having distilled Cognac for bigger, well known brands, the owner decided to produce and market his own Cognac with a rather unique specialization in the Cognac area: the production of Organic Cognacs. Distillery du Peyrat now produces exclusively 100% organic Cognacs. Located in a small village 10km East of Cognac on the banks of a river, du Peyrat produces, distills and ages their eaux de vie with the respect of the environment and the intense expression of the terroir.

About the product:

Location of the vineyard: in the Fins Bois delimited area of production, just a few km away from the delimited Grande Champagne area, also known as the first cru.

Terroir: because of its proximity to the Grande Champagne area, the vineyard benefits from 2 terroirs, producing assemblages (blends) that have strength and fullness, but will yet be round, supple and mature quicker than cognacs from the Grande Champagne.

Age: this Rare Prestige is a minimum of 7 years old.

Production: about 160 000 bottles per year

House style: subtle, fruity

Tasting notes: vanilla, plum, apricot aromas - refined, light, mellow and round on the palate.

Organic and more:

Cognac du Peyrat is certified organic by the strict European organization Ecocert. But it will take the distillery another 2 years to be USDA certified because it’s a long, complicated and costly process. In the meantime, unfortunately, the FDA does not allow us to use our European organic certification stamp.

The distillery has also committed to:

- Choosing “green” electricity produced by sustainable methods.

- Installing photovoltaic solar panels.

- Adopting the use of recycled paper.

What the reviewers say:

Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2010: Excellent / 90 points

Paul Pacult, The Spirit Journal, Dec. 2009: Highly Recommended / 4 stars

“...Oh, baby, the fragrance comes rushing out of the glass in succulent waves of ripe grapes, plums, and new leather scents.... The fruitiness turns into keen spiciness, as vibrant, complex scents of cinnamon, clove and vanilla bean all hit the right notes..... Superb.”

Each year in October, 4th generation owner Pascal Fillioux harvests the Ugni Blanc grapes from his 63 acre vineyard, makes the wine and distills it in his classic alembic stills. After carefully selecting barrels from the cooperage, the young distillate is put to rest for 2 years, absorbing maximum tannins and colour.Then comes the “secret”: day after day, month after month, year after year, Pascal Fillioux can be found in his cellars sniffing, breathing, tasting, making notes, re-tasting, blending, moving barrels, and listening to his cognacs growing older and older. It’s like a ballet in wood and darkness where only he can hear the music.
The results are just sublime, undeniable proof that Pascal Fillioux well deserves his reputation as “Magician of Aromas” that the region has given him.

The Product Line 
Coq: a young, light and pleasantly fresh Grande Chanpagne with floral notes and vine blossoms, perfect for cocktails.

La Pouyade, 8 years old: perfectly balanced for a rather young Grande Champagne, an interesting personality with floral notes of spring flowers, fruit aromas, apricot and grape, with notes of almond. Perfect with smoked salmon, blue cheese, pates and proscuito, it is also the whisky lovers favorite.

Cep d’Or, 12 years old: vivacious aromas of lilac and jasmin give way to some notes of ripe fruit, dried fruit and walnut. This delicious Grande Champagne has a spicy finish that will be perfect for Provencal, Italian or even Mexican cooking.

Tres Vieux, Over 25 years old: the House’s flagship, a very powerful, elegant and noble cognac with some notes of jammy fruit, orange marmelade, quince, pear and loads of vanilla. A sipping Cognac for the Connoisseurs.

XO Grande Reserve, Over 30 years old: a scrumptious cognac offering deep aromas of vanilla, honey, cinnamon and exotic fruits, ending with rich and spicy hot chocolate flavors.

Reserve Familiale, 50 years old: this exceptional cognac is in itself a journey in the infinite world of aromas and flavors; everything is there incessantly tickling your tastebuds: dried, candied fruit, rich rancio, leather, cigar box, toasted cocoa bean, vanilla and toffee. The finish is silky, with notes of honeyed and peppery spices.

What the Reviews Say

 
La Pouyade: Highly Recommended (Cognac Magazine)
Cep d’Or: Highly Recommended, Superb (Wine Enthusiast)
Tres Vieux: Highest Recommendation (Wine Enthusiast)       Excellent / 93 points (Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2011)
XO Reserve: Highly Recommended (Spirit Journal, Paul Pacult)
Reserve Familiale: Highly Recommended (Wine Enthusiast)

Visit: http://www.cognac-jeanfillioux.com/

Since 1872, five generations have contributed to the development of the prestigious Normandin-Mercier Cognacs. The family has build its fame by perfecting the art of blending and ageing cognacs in an exceptional geographical site. 

What makes Normandin-Mercier so unique?

The Crus: For decades, the family Normandin Mercier has been buying young cognacs from the same handful of producers in the crus of Petite Champagne and Grande Champagne only.
The Grapes: Normandin Mercier cognacs are made with about 90% Ugni Blanc, and 10% of Colombard and Folle Blanche, a very rare and unique blend compared to other cognacs.
The Cellars: Normandin Mercier cognacs are matured in the family chateau’s traditional cellars near the town of La Rochelle, the historic medieval port that made Cognac famous  many centuries ago. The proximity of the ocean, the natural regulation of hygrometry and oceanic temperature all favour the ageing of the cognacs, giving them fullness, elegance and a unique character. 
It’s important to note that Normandin-Mercier cognacs contain no artificial coloring and are not subject to a cold filtration in order to preserve a total purity of the aromas and flavors.

The product line:
VSOP Petite Champagne: 7 years minimum: Brillant, clear, beautiful and luminous golden amber color and look.Subtle floral nose, honeysuckle and violet. Subtly spicy with a touch of liquorice. Lively cognac perfect for long drink and cocktails.

Prestige Fine Champagne: 15 years minimum:Blend of Grande Champagne (brings sharpness and length) and Petite Champagne (subtlety, delicacy and sweetness).Flavors of fruits, almond and plum with a rich and fat but clean finish.Aged 2 years in 350L new barrels, then moved a 600L barrels.

Awarded Excellent 93 points and Finalist, 2012 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, New York

Coming soon ...  XO Grande Champagne, Extra Grande Champagne and Extra Petite Champagne, as well as Pineau des Charentes.

http://www.cognacnm.com/