Domaine Pierre de Segonzac [Cognac][Eng]

Today for this first article, we are going to travel in Cognac with a presentation of the Cognac appellation, the discovered of an estate from Segonzac and then, a tasting part.

What's Cognac appellation ? :

Cognac appellation is spread in Charente and Charente-Maritime areas with a total surface of 80 000 hectares separeted in 6 differents Crus. Mainly grapes varieties are Ugni-Blanc, Colombard and Folle Blanche, 3 differents whites varieties basicly used to make acid white wine at first. When we obtain this wine, we distil it twice with an "Alambic Charentais", but it's not cognac yet ! To get the Cognac appellation, we must ageing this "eaux de vie" 2 years minimum in a Limousin oak cask. This step is really important, it gives color and some flavors according to the burning cask level.

Discovered of an estate named Pierre de Segonzac :

Domaine Pierre de Segonzac, located in the heart of the Grande Champagne, is a small family property of about 7 hectares with 100% Ugni-Blanc vines. Created in 1702, the estate distilled for Maison Rémy-Martin first, it is only from the 10th generation that Pierre FERRAND produced his own brand, he became an emblematic character. Today, it's Pablo FERRAND accompanied by his little dog Omar, who follows the footsteps of his grandfather with passion and smile.

Tasting part :

For now, they have 5 cognacs which are :

• VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) of 7 years old.
• XO (Extra Old) "Réserve" of 15 years old.
• XO "Sélection des Anges" of 30 years old.
• Extra of 50 years old.
• Ancestrale of 70 years old, extremly rare one.

All ages are an average between several cognacs' blend.

VSOP : smooth notes of vanilla and prune with a little of caramel and orange blossom. It' s a cognac for whisky and bourbon lovers ! Great with an apple pie !

XO Réserve : a fruity blend, smooth, with a little bit of vanilla and gingerbread flavors. Perfect for the digestive, coffee or spacy food.

XO Sélection des Anges : really smooth with woody, dry fruits and spacies aromas. Sweet on the palet, ideal for Japan whisky lovers and chocolat, chocolat cake.