One of the most famous brandies in the world takes its name from a small town in the Charente region, the birthplace of François I and a designated "Ville d'art & d'histoire" (City of Art and History)... You will have recognized the beautiful Cognac! Nevertheless, the famous vineyards extend far beyond this city, and stretch from the Atlantic Ocean to the Dordogne, offering nearly 79,500 hectares. A territory much less known than its digestif, it deserves nevertheless to linger there. Why not spend a weekend there? The Cognac region is full of vineyards surrounded by plains and hills with gentle slopes, where it is pleasant to stroll. Between two walks along the Charente river, enjoy a stay under the sign of spiritourism through the visit of the unavoidable cognac houses, which perpetuate an ancestral know-how and offer beverages with various subtleties. An excursion to the Maison Gautier, whose creation dates back to 1755, will not fail to impress visitors. It is an opportunity to taste its spirit, voted best cognac in the world in 2015, and to learn more about its history. Yes, by the way, where does cognac come from?
The fascinating history of cognac
Introduced in the 15th century by the Dutch, distillation is a technique intimately linked to the history of cognac. Thanks to it, the wine of Charente kept all its qualities during its travels to the northern kingdoms. There, this alcohol nicknamed "brandwijn" was particularly appreciated by the populations. The technique of double distillation did not appear until the 18th century. It was at this time that the Charentais made changes to their stills and improved their brandies by ageing them in oak barrels. That's it! Cognac was born and will continue to conquer the world, especially thanks to the trading houses that appeared in the 19th century. The cognac market is organized, develops and starts to ship the beverages in bottles. Although the spread of phylloxera, an insect, ravaged a large part of the vineyard in the 1870's, it was reborn with dignity from its ashes thanks to the planting of grafted vines. The 20th century saw other crucial stages with the delimitation of the geographical area of production, the recognition of cognac as an AOC (appellation d'origine contrôlée) and the regional delimitation of the crus. Since the end of the Second World War, the different stages of the production of cognac have been regulated in order to protect the product. Cognac is a very successful spirit which is nowadays shipped to a hundred countries all over the world! A fascinating story, isn't it? So let's go on its tracks during these two days of discovery
There are dozens of cognac houses in the region, including Hennessy, Courvoisier and Château de Beaulon. Each of them offers spiritourism experiences, classic or more unusual, with tastings, visits of vineyards and cellars, blending workshops... The one we are interested in today is the Maison Gautier, one of the oldest cognac houses. Follow the guide!
The House of Gautier: a family affair
Originally, the Gautier family were foresters in the Tronçais forest in the Allier region and sold oak to coopers in Charente. The motto of the company is "Du galt mer sui", which means "I am the Lord of the Forest". Louis Gautier, grandson of Charles Gautier and the daughter of Aigre winegrowers Jacquette Brochet, developed the cognac trade from 1700. He is the one who is at the origin of the development of the House of Gautier, whose family obtains in 1755 the royal right to produce cognac, as well as a founding charter signed by the hand of King Louis XV in person. Following this, the House of Gautier was founded and set up its cellars in the old water mill of Aigre. Located above the Osme river, the cellars benefit from the natural humidity of the river, ideal for blending cognac brandy
Let's go back to the 21st century, to the Maison Gautier for two hours of immersion. On the program, a part dedicated to the ancestral history, then a second part to the discovery of the cellars. This privileged moment is the opportunity for the team to present the work of cognac production, its ancestral know-how, and to lead the visitors to Paradise, the famous cellar where the oldest eaux-de-vie are kept
The explanations are numerous and we will learn that it is the humidity associated with the mastery of a slow aging process in the cellars that allows the best cognac eaux-de-vie to be blended, which then present an exceptional balance and aromatic richness.
The visit concludes with the long-awaited tasting! The cognacs of the Maison Gautier are multi award-winning. They have won awards at the prestigious San Fransisco World Spirits Competition and International Spirits Challenge. The VS cognac from Maison Gautier embodies the first phase of cognac aging, it is elegant, generous and fruity; the VSOP cognac is harmonious and greedy, a blend of Petite Champagne, Fins Bois and Bons Bois eaux-de-vie; xO cognac, aromatic, intense and generous in the mouth, is made from old eaux-de-vie, some of which are kept in the Paradis cellar; Since 1755 Extra cognac, with the complex aromas of Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie, is made from the rare and old eaux-de-vie of the Paradis cellar.
Let's not forget to mention the rare Tradition cognacs, Eden and Pinar del Rio, to be enjoyed with a cigar. The tasting is the moment to distinguish what characterizes each cognac, to define one's preferences and to ask questions about the best ways to appreciate each of them: pure, with ice, extended with tonic or sparkling water, or even in a cocktail!
The discovery of the terroir continues..
A trip to visit one of the most prestigious and ancient cognac houses is an opportunity to see the vineyards and to make a stopover in the small towns around
In the Charente, you can cross the vineyard landscapes on foot or by bike. Cyclists can for example follow the Flow Vélo® or the Scandibérique. The village ofAigre, where the Maison Gautier is located, is a small charming town crossed by the Osme and labeled Ville et village fleuri. Nearby, the picturesque village of Tusson seduces with its protected heritage and its beautiful restored old houses. The Renaissance Marguerite d'Angoulême house, which is home to the Maison du Patrimoine, is particularly noteworthy. Do not miss the medieval monastic garden, so bucolic!
Only 45 minutes by car from Aigre is the famous city of Cognac. A stroll through the city will allow you to contemplate the most beautiful elements of its heritage, its castle and the medieval-style house of the Lieutenancy. The discovery would not be complete without a visit to the museum of Cognac Arts. A fascinating place to learn more about the history of the Cognac region through the ages, but also about the production techniques of the cognac that is the pride of the region and enchants the palates of spirits lovers all over the world
Do you have some time left? Go to Segonzac, only twenty minutes south-east of Cognac, and push open the door of the Maison de la Grande Champagne. This association, whose store is located in this charming Charente village, brings together nearly twenty producers from the region: of cognac of course, but also pineau des Charentes and Charente wines. This stop will be an opportunity to spot smaller and lesser known producers, and to leave with your hands full!
USEFUL INFORMATION
When to go?
To take advantage of the green landscapes, go in the summer. However, cognac is enjoyed all year round: the harvest lasts until the end of October, then comes the distillation, until the end of March. Guided tours of the Maison Gautier are available every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 10am and 2:30pm. It is also open on Saturdays.
Duration
Two days are enough for a first exploration. The center of Cognac can be discovered quickly on foot: plan a day to get lost in the narrow streets and visit the monuments. Take the next day to explore the surrounding vineyards. Allow two hours for a visit to the Maison Gautier.
Budget
The Cognac region is affordable. The activities proposed by the different cognac houses are not expensive. Count 4 € for the one at the Maison Gautier. You will find many guest houses and restaurants at affordable prices. For a reservation in season, prices vary between 80 and 350 € per night.
Public
It is possible to appreciate the territory without loving its beverage! This pleasant land seduces all ages. If you are a couple, the weekend will be very romantic.
The pluses
Each cognac house offers a unique experience
The promise of beautiful discoveries each time you visit.
The gastronomic wealth. Taste the specialties: pineau des Charentes, melon charentais, stuffed snails..
The minuses
Cognac is small: exploration is fast, so take your time!
The region is not ideally served by transportation
A car is recommended to fully enjoy it.
Getting there
By car, Cognac is 120 km from Bordeaux and 95 km from La Rochelle. It is accessible by the A10 via Saintes or by the N10 via Angoulême. The car is ideal to discover the different vineyards of the region.
By train, from Paris, it takes 3h30 to reach Cognac. Be careful, the journey is not direct: the city is accessible without connection only from Angoulême, Saintes and Rochefort.
Useful
COGNAC TOURISME - More information on the website
48, boulevard Denfert-Rochereau
16100 Cognac
Phone : 05 45 82 10 71
Sleep
HÔTEL CHAIS MONNET - More information on the site
50, av. Paul Firino Martell
16100 Cognac
Tel : 05 17 22 32 23
LE RELAIS DE SAINT-PREUIL - More information on the site
Chez Rivière
16130 Saint-Preuil
Phone : 05 45 80 80 08
