Tesseron COGNAC
Transcription
Tesseron COGNAC
Tesseron COGNAC “Anything this smooth, silky, potent and aromatic, is truly great stuff. It is about as ethereal a Cognac as anyone could ever hope to drink.” Lot 29: 100 Points -Robert Parker Tesseron Cognac is a new luxury cognac brand owned by the Tesseron family, which for more than a century has provided its old, rare stocks to the larger Cognac houses. The family still holds one of the largest collections of aged cognac reserves in the world and launched their own brand in 2003, releasing Cognacs only XO (which stands for extra old) and above in age. Made only in miniscule quantities, their Cognacs are incredibly rare and highly desirable. The Tesseron Cognac house is located in Châteauneuf-sur-Charente and was first founded by Abel Tesseron in 1905. Since then, the family business has been handed down through four generations. Abel’s son Guy Tesseron guided the company for more than 30 years before handing the reigns to his sons, Alfred and Gérard. Alfred Tesseron also owns Château Pontet-Canet and Château Lafon-Rochet, 2 very highly regarded properties in Bordeaux. The cellars at Tesseron date back to the 13th century and were once part of a crypt of a local church. Today they house one of the largest collections of old cognacs in demijohns in all of Cognac. Tesseron is one of the few estates to hold ancient stocks of great vintages that have not been diluted with water or changed in any way. As French law does not permit a vintage date to be used for Cognacs, their Lot numbers refers to the age of the Cognacs in the blend. Tesseron is one of few remaining houses to use the original 3 Cognac grape varieties. Most producers use only the high yielding Ugni Blanc, as Colombard and Folle Blanche are much more difficult to grow. The grapes are virtually all sourced from the top 2 Cognac districts: Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. All of Tesseron’s cognacs are aged exclusively in Limousine oak, a tough wood which has a fatter, looser grain than that of the more common Tronçais oak, thus giving more oxygen and finer tannins, as well as being better adapted to long-term maturation. The house also makes a point of aging all of its cognacs in humid rather than dry cellars, resulting in a more rounded flavor profile. VINTUS Tesseron | COGNAC Lot № 90 XO Selection Cognac Aged just over 10 years, Lot 90 displays an especially attractive combination of vigor and complexity, which several ice cubes bring out perfectly - a first encounter with a great cognac, and an ideal aperitif. The nose opens with fresh pear and quince, giving way to notes of spice, dried fruits and nuts. Long aging in oak barrels adds richness and complexity. Lot № 76 XO Tradition Grande Champagne Lot 76 is an exceptional blend of reserve stocks of 100% Grand Champagne Cognac, matured to perfection for one generation, about 25-30 years. It establishes its quality on the nose, with a wealth of caramelized peaches, almond and candied fruit aromas. The palate features rich, delicate flavors of nuts and dried fruits, and a spicy vitality. Perfect with coffee after lunch. Lot № 53 XO Perfection Grande Champagne Lot 53 is a blend of Tesseron’s most sublime Grande Champagne stocks still in barrel. Made from both Folle Blanche and Ugni Blanc, this cognac of 2 generations (50 years) has a deep topaz color and a bouquet of plums, figs and chocolate. On the palate hints of wood, dried fruits and tobacco draw out rich yet elegant chocolate and herbs. Ideal after dinner or with a cigar. Lot № 29 XO Exception Grande Champagne The cream of the family’s oldest and rarest stocks in Grande Champagne, Lot 29 is aged for 3 generations (75 years) in oak casks, with 30% coming from 1906 stock. Made from the 3 Cognac grapes and balancing power and finesse, it has an elusive nose typical of only the best old cognac. Macerated dried fruits mocha and floral flavors go forever. For a special occasion. Master Blend 88’s Grande Champagne This special limited edition Cognac is made up of the 88 finest Grand Champagne blends in a special Paradis at the Tesseron family home, with the base being from 1898. The blends are stored in 8 demijohns, 25L heavy glass flagons that preserve old cognac eaux-de-vies that have attained optimum maturity. A blend of all 3 original grapes, with only 286 bottles made. Master Blend 100’s Grande Champagne Another limited edition Cognac produced from the 100 best Grand Champagne blends of a separate Tesseron Paradis, the base for this cognac is from 1860. It comes from 4 demijohns, again produced from the original 3 grape varieties in Cognac. Only 143 bottles were made of this extraordinary window into a bygone era. Extreme Grande Champagne The rarest of the Tesseron cognacs, this unique bottling is made up of the oldest and finest Grande Champagne stocks, 10 demijohns dating from 1853-1906. It is presented in a stunning 1.75 liter bottle in the shape of a demijohn. Velvety and supple on the palate, this cognac’s exceptional mellowness is matched only by its infinitely complex depth. Its “rancio” nose, the result of long years of aging in oak casks, flows into waves of aromas and flavors. We believe it is the finest cognac in the world. VINTUS