The story of Cognac begins centuries ago, in the French region of Charente. This prestigious and worldwide known eau de vie was born thanks to the meeting of geographical factors and the ingeniosity of local producers.
The origins of Cognac go back to the 16th century when Charente sailors started to distillate wine to ease its transport and preserve its quality during long sea journeys. Over time, they discovered the aging in oak barrels was bringing a unique complexity and richness. This aging process, combined with the double distillation and unique use of specific local white grapes created the Cognac as we know it now. This drink is nowadays both appreciated for its refined taste and complexity, and cultural patrimony. The Cognac region, picturesque vineyards, and traditional sale houses attract tourists from all over the globe looking after an immersive experience in a bewitching universe.
Foie gras & Cognac
The unctuosity of foie gras perfectly matches the richness and aromas of Cognac. Choose a VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) or XO (Extra Old) Cognac to drink with it. The sweet savors and fruit notes of the Cognac will create with the melting texture of foie gras a very interesting gastronomic pairing.
Dark chocolate & Cognac
They form an irresistible duet. Go for an older Cognac like a XO to complete the intensity of the chocolate. The Cognac offering complex aromas of confit fruits, spices, and dried fruits will harmoniously blend with rich and slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate.
Blue cheese & Cognac
The powerful and sharp character of blue cheese like Roquefort or Stilton surprisingly matches very well a Cognac. Choose a young one, like a VS or VSOP whose deepness and warmness will equilibrate the savors. The woody aromas and notes of vanilla will counterbalance the intensity of the cheese, creating a contrast and harmonious pairing.
The VSOP must have aged in oak barrels for at least four years. On the other hand, a XO must have aged for at least ten years, but the majority go way further than this minimal length.
A longer aging offer to the XO deeper and more complex aromas than a VSOP, offering notes of dried fruits, vanilla, spices, and wood, along with a sweeter and velvety texture.
Given its greater aging and more developed characteristics, the XO Cognac is usually more expensive than the VSOP. However, the price also evolves regarding the brand and notoriety of the producer.
Camus is a prestigious House located in Cognac, and founded in 1863 by Jean-Baptiste Camus. It succeeded in preserving and transmitting its patrimony and expertise over time and passing generations, and the fifth is nowadays at its head. The fame of Camus was built on its artisanal approach to production, paying tribute to the specific qualities of the terroir. The House is especially known for only using grapes from the Borderies area, that give an elegant and floral Cognac.
Our Head Sommelier Victor González about this famous House: “ The house Camus has a lot of common values with Tour d’Argent” especially its family side and the importance it gives to the transmission of its heritage. Furthermore, the House has an ancestral and terroir-focused approach, but also “a very contemporary vision of Cognac, in particular for the tasting and mixology”.
This article was written by our Personal Wine Shopper.
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