Rémy Martin Cognac
Written by Brian Donnelly
Terroire
When it comes to Cognac, everything starts with the grapes. Rémy Martin exclusively sources grapes from the Grand Champagne and Petite Champagne crus, which produce the most desirable grapes and highest quality eaux-de-vie (the distillate of the still wines). This is because, these two crus contain the highest amount of chalky soil, which drain water and reflect sunlight, to ensure aromatic richness. If the cognac is produced using only eaux-de-vie from the Grand and Petite Champagne crus, of which at least half must come from Grand Champagne, then it has earned the right to be called Fine Champagne cognac. Rémy Martin produces 80% of all Fine Champagne Cognac.
Grapes
Since 1966, the House of Rémy Martin has an alliance with local farmers in the area, to insure they have a consistent supply of grapes that meet all their standards of quality. The grape varieties used in Rémy Martin cognac are mostly Ugni Blanc, with a touch of Colombard and Folle Blanche.
Fermentation
The grapes are harvested in between the end of September and early October, once the head from summer has disappeared. Once harvested, the grapes are gently pressed, and the juice is fermented for 5-7 days. The resulting white wine will have an alcohol content of around 7-9%, dry and acidic, with no sugars added.
Distillation
Distillation takes place soon as possible after the harvest in November, because the qualities in the wine are fragile, and never later than March. Rémy Martin has a unique style, because they distill the wine with their lees (the residual yeast), in small copper pot stills, which gives their cognac greater levels of complexity. Each batch is distilled twice over the course of 24 hours. During distillation the heads and tails are discarded, and the remaining heart is a clear liquid, called eaux-de-vie (water of life), with an alcohol content of around 70%. 12 kilos (26.46lbs) of grapes are required to produce a single liter of eau-de-vie.
Eaux-de-vie Selection
During the winter months the tasting committee gathers several times a week to sample 20 to 30 eaux-de-vie per session. Over the course of the season, they will taste over 2,000 samples. The samples are blind, their origin confidential. The committee looks for eaux-de-vie that are fruity and rich, while not being too heavy—in other words, they look for elegance and harmony. Certain eaux-de-vie do not possess these qualities and are rejected immediately, while others distinguish themselves as suitable to carry the Rémy Martin signature style. After this rigorous selection process, the eaux-de-vie are stored in the cellars for aging before becoming part of the future cognacs of the House.
Maturation
The eaux-de-vie from Rémy Martin are aged in French Oak, sourced from the Limousin Forest in Central France. Limousin oak is famous for its aromatic development of the eaux-de- vie, because of the large open grain in the wood, which imparts a rich vanilla and a substantial exchange of air from the cellar with the aging eaux-de-vie. The Limousin oak trees are all at least 100 years old, and have been individually selected by the expert coopers partnered with the House of Rémy Martin. Before being crafted into barrels, the wood is left outside in the elements to season for 2-3 years, which helps remove tannins. The cellars in Merpins (just West of Cognac), store more than 140,000 barrels of Fine Champagne Cognac, which is the largest collection in the world. Each cellar has a slightly different temperature and humidity, thus fine- tuning the aging environment. Also the eau-de-vie will be transferred into progressively older barrels as it ages, depending on the desired final cognac. During the aging process, around 3% will be lost to evaporation or “the angel’s share,” which amounts to 8,000 bottle of cognac every day.
Rémy Martin V
Unaged eaux-de-vie, technically not a Cognac.
The ideal gift! Buy the best cognac online. Price and reviews available for Remy Martin V Cognac Brandy - 750ml Bottle. Born in legendary French vineyards, Remy Martin V is a bold and sophisticated distilled grape spirit. The finest Ugni Blanc grapes are strictly selected to create this flavorful eau-de-vie de vin. Distilled twice in copper pot stills in the traditional manner to preserve its bold character, the result is a uniquely refined spirit that rises to any occasion. It reveals fresh aromas with hints of grapes, pears, and a uniquely smooth and crisp finish. On the rocks, Remy Martin V is vibrant and intricate. Mixed, it reveals the soul of great cocktails, classic and new creations alike.
Rémy Martin VSOP
A blend of eaux-de-vie aged from 4 years (the category minimum) up to 14 years, the best selling VSOP in the world.
The ideal gift! Buy the best cognac online. Price and reviews available for Remy Martin V.S.O.P Cognac Brandy - 750ml Bottle. Remy Martin V.S.O.P is a well-balanced and multi-layered cognac with notes of vanilla, stone fruit and licorice. It is a blend from the most sought-after vineyards in the heart of the Cognac region of France - Petite and Grande Champagne. Remy Martin is the only major cognac house specializing exclusively in Cognac Fine Champagne. Remy Martin V.S.O.P is twice the age of a standard V.S, this gold color and versatile V.S.O.P embodies the perfect harmony of powerful and elegant aromas. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, in a variety of cocktails or simply mixed with ginger ale.
Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal
Grande Champagne (65%) and Petite Champagne (35%). The 1738 is technically a VSOP, because the youngest eaux-de-vie in the blend is 4 years, but it is not marketed as such, because the oldest blend is up to 20 years and contains between 240-300 different eaux-de-vie. Originally blended for the American and Japanese palates in 1997, the 1738 is blended with a greater number of darker, more mature eaux-de-vie, compared to the VSOP. In 1738, King Louis XV granted the House of Rémy Martin a Royal Accord to expand their vineyards, while others could not. This is the significance of the 1738 Accord Royal name.
Rémy Martin XO
In 1981, Cellar Master André Giraud set out to create an XO that would express the excellence of the Cognac Fine Champagne. Composed of eau-de-vie coming exclusively from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, the two most sought after crus in the Cognac region. A blend of up to 400 different eaux-de-vie aged from 10 years (category minimum) up to 30 years.
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