We were very excited to venture outside our favorite city of Paris to explore our favorite wine region of Bordeaux. We drove through the Loire Valley on the way to our first stop of Cognac. The world’s most famous brandy comes from western France, north of Bordeaux, and takes its name from this historic town. Here, we took in the sights and toured Royal Chateau De Cognac, headquarters of Baron Otard, located near the Charente River.

In 1795, Baron Otard was founded by Scottish nobleman Baron Otard de la Grange, and is one of the oldest Cognac houses. Baron Otard’s eaux-de-vie (water of life) is aged in medium to high charred French oak barrels (instead of the usual light to medium toast) in humid (90%!) cellars found in the lower vaults of the Chateau, at the same level of the river, resulting in its rich and unique character.  Focusing only on grapes grown in Fins Bois, Petite and Grande Champagne areas, Baron Otard stores almost 20,000 barrels and each Cognac released contains some portion of this castle-aged eau de vie! We learned this, and more, when touring the Royal Château de Cognac and the private apartments of King François I of France.

After exploring the dark dank cellars and learning how this deep orange delectable liquid is crafted, we were treated to a tasting of Baron Otard’s VSOP, XO and Extra 1795. The first was a deep coppery gold with a nose of floral aromas, pear, oak, tobacco and a hint of vanilla. Round palate with earthy tobacco and vanilla notes, along with oak and apricot tannins, provided a good length for a VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale). The next taste was the XO… beautifully presented and expertly blended, this Cognac is nothing short of elegant with floral notes up front, followed by candied fruit, crushed nuts and spice. This is the one we chose to bring home! Our last taste was the Extra 1795…a premium expression meant to commemorate the founding of the House of Otard, includes brandies blended for decades for a “rich, complex bouquet”. Deep, dark reddish gold with a floral bouquet of pear and pineapple. Intense and sweet with mature flavors of dried fruits, hazelnuts and orange peel. Velvety palate and complex, this special Cognac had a long, lingering and full finish.

Although these Cognacs are meant to be savored neat at room temperature, for those still acquiring the taste, our host poured some VSOP over ice with tonic, creating a refreshing summertime cocktail! Who knew?!