Grosperrin No. 79 Borderies 53.6% 700ml
This non-vintage Cognac comes from a very small holding in the Borderies, located a few kilometers from Saintes.
Amber colour. Very fine, long. On the nose, a cognac with fine rancios, almost dry, notes of blackcurrant. There is a lot of elegance in this cognac, which is reminiscent of lot N ° 64 Borderies. On the palate, the attack is frank. Medium finish, a little spicy, but not lacking in charm thanks to the floral notes that remain.
This lot comes from the father of the winegrower who produces the Folle Blanche, in the region of St-Fort-Sur-Le-Né. This batch was distilled with wood and charcoal, in a 7-hectoliters still. Its rare taste qualities require me to offer it to you brut-de-tût, that is to say without any alcohol reduction.
Very amber colour. The nose is marked by lively and frank notes of ripe plums, mirabelle plum, leather, and black pepper (Kappad). The whole is very harmonious, and from the nose, the invitation to taste is strong. On the palate, the attack is powerful and immediately complex. It's an explosion of spicy and virile notes: nutmeg, cloves, black pepper. Quite a woody cognac, which gives it a dense and rich texture, with a chewiness worthy of red wine. Nice balance, alcohol does not burn, controlled astringency. The finish is marked by very long notes of blackcurrant.
This very old cognac comes from a family of notaries who’ve lived since 1794 near the small village of Saint-Sulpice de Cognac, in a beautiful 18th century home. There are traces of the family dating back to the French Revolution, when the Mayor of the village left an estate to his family. The property had vineyards planted on the most exceptional hillsides of the Borderies region. It is one of his descendants who produced this beautiful cognac, on the land that once belonged to his father, to his grandfather, and even to his great grandfather… And Guilhem bought this single cask from his great-great-grandson. These very ancient cognacs, of which only a few hectolitres are left, have been passed on for four generations, inherited each time by someone in the same family. The estate stopped producing cognac in 1981. It is at this date that the distillery closed and that the vines were sold to big neighbouring estates. The family heirs have accepted this and today take the greatest care in preserving this exceptional heritage which is sleeping in the cellars built centuries ago by their ancestors.
The colour is very amber. On the first nose, this cognac reveals discreet notes of violet (violet sweets…), of hyacinth and of tuber. These fragile and delicate notes are quickly covered by more powerful, almost spicy notes of dried flowers, leather, with pronounced rancio. On the palate, the attack is progressive; it is a testament to the great age of this cognac. The aromas of dried flowers, of old leather book covers and of spices immediately express themselves. The mouth is quickly seized by the spices and rancio, a token in itself of the authenticity of an old cognac. The finish is long, marked by a structured rancio along with notes of dried oranges and liquorice. An approachable cognac, despite being very “complete”.
This vintage Cognac has been stored under State control since its distillation. This is a unique cask, originally from a small farm in the Tâtre region, still in operation.
Old gold dress. Fruity nose, marked by perfumed notes of orange blossom, exotic wood, such as sandalwood, cedar. A certain minerality (wet limestone rock) emerges beyond these warm notes. In the mouth, a slightly fleeting attack testifies to the reduction, but the palate is rich in fruity notes. Spicy finish, a certain charm.
This cognac comes from the family property of the cognac merchant who sold it to us. It remained in the same family for 60 years, stored at its original location, a huge paved cellar, until we transferred it to government-controlled cellars in 1999. The owner's chateau was occupied by the German Wehrmacht and the archives dispersed at the end of the war, making it impossible to prove it dates back to before 1944. The end of the war brought with it widespread pillaging, both by occupying forces and local inhabitants This cognac's lightness and delicate aromas make it atypical for its cru. It, therefore, most certainly comes from a limestone soil. Surprising vitality yet softness and roundness, and an unforgettable prune palate. This is proof that even smaller crus can produce wonders!
Deep amber colour. The nose of very old Cognac, the finesse of rancio. On the palate, atypical in its vintage for its lightness and density. An astonishing vitality, all smooth and round as well as a prune mouthfeel that will stay in your memory for a long time. The "small wines" also have their wonders!
94/100, Livets Goda (Sweden, 2008).
“ I have never tasted such an old Bons Bois before; there is a perfect resemblance to certain ports, but while still being able to deliver an almost unfathomable fruity freshness ”. Drink Spirits (USA), 2011.
The Cognac de Collection Jean Grosperrin – Artisanal Vintages is a remarkable representation of the deep-rooted tradition and expertise in cognac production in France, now available for enthusiasts in Australia. Jean Grosperrin, a cognac broker in the Cognac region, played a pivotal role in this tradition. A broker's task in eaux-de-vie is crucial yet understated, bridging the gap between producers and buyers and evaluating the quality of the eaux-de-vie.
Jean Grosperrin's profession led him to numerous cellars, where he assessed various batches of cognac, including some exceptionally old and rare ones. It's common for vine growers in the region to distil their own harvest and, like their ancestors, keep a reserve of cognac barrels in their cellars. These family treasures, steeped in history and rarity, are seldom sold, and transactions are highly confidential.
Jean, and later his son Guilhem since 2004, dedicated themselves to acquiring these unique cognacs, often characterized by their atypical profiles and strong personalities, across all Cognac appellations. Their pursuit is not just about the spirit itself but also involves delving into documents and family histories, which adds layers of stories and anecdotes to each cognac they select.
The tasting notes of Cognac de Collection Jean Grosperrin are known for being precise, succinct, and honest, devoid of unnecessary praise or falsehoods. Their selections and vintages are nothing short of astonishing, often leading to their supplies running out quickly due to their success.
For connoisseurs in Australia, the availability of Cognac de Collection Jean Grosperrin offers a rare opportunity to experience these unique and carefully curated artisanal vintages. Each bottle from this collection is not just a drink; it's a piece of history, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship of the Cognac region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grosperrin
History of Grosperrin
Grosperrin is a renowned brand in the world of spirits, particularly in the Cognac industry. The brand was founded by Guilhem Grosperrin in 1992, who was passionate about discovering and preserving rare and exceptional Cognacs. Grosperrin's mission was to showcase the unique flavours and aromas of Cognacs from different regions and vintages, which were often overlooked by larger Cognac houses.
Grosperrin's approach to Cognac production is based on a strict selection process, where only the finest and most authentic Cognacs are chosen. The brand's collection includes Cognacs from various regions, including Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, and Fins Bois. Each Cognac is carefully aged in oak barrels, allowing the flavours to develop and mature over time.
Grosperrin's commitment to quality and authenticity has earned the brand a loyal following among spirits enthusiasts and connoisseurs. The brand's Cognacs have won numerous awards and accolades, cementing its reputation as one of the finest producers of Cognac in the world. Today, Grosperrin continues to innovate and push the boundaries of Cognac production, while remaining true to its roots and traditions.
How to Serve Grosperrin
Spirits of France is proud to offer Grosperrin, a brand that produces some of the finest cognacs in the world. To fully appreciate the complexity and depth of flavour in these cognacs, it is recommended that they be consumed neat or with a small amount of water. This allows the aromas and flavours to fully develop and be savoured.
When enjoying Grosperrin cognacs, it is important to take your time and sip slowly, allowing the flavours to linger on your palate. These cognacs are best enjoyed in a tulip-shaped glass, which helps to concentrate the aromas and enhance the overall tasting experience.
At Spirits of France, we believe that the quality of the products we offer is of the utmost importance. That's why we are proud to offer Grosperrin cognacs, which are made using traditional methods and aged in oak barrels for decades. We believe that every sip of Grosperrin cognac is a true celebration of the art of distillation and the rich history of French spirits.
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