Maison A. de Vacqueur is a modern revival of a historical legacy. In 2016, François Arbellot de Vacqueur—guided by his heritage—joined forces with cellar master Eric Aiguillon and distiller-viticulturist Antoine Quéron. Together, they brought back to life a Cognac house that once flourished under François's ancestors in the 19th century.
A Legacy Rekindled
The Arbellot family first entered the Cognac trade in 1840, exporting eaux-de-vie to the United States and Northern Europe. Though the original house changed ownership in 1956, the founding spirit was reborn decades later, with a renewed commitment to excellence and authenticity.
The Founders
François Arbellot de Vacqueur returned from nearly a decade in China’s wine and spirits industry to relaunch the family’s legacy in Cognac.
Eric Aiguillon, a third-generation producer and expert blender since 1936, brings mastery in creating nuanced and balanced eaux-de-vie.
Antoine Quéron, whose lineage includes seven generations of winemakers from the Fins Bois, contributes his distilling expertise and deep knowledge of the terroir.
The Estate and Distillery
Maison A. de Vacqueur operates from the Malémont distillery, located in the commune of Macqueville, right in the heart of the Fins Bois cru. The estate spans 130 hectares of vines and houses five traditional Charentais stills. The trio oversees the entire process, from vine to bottle.
From Vine to Cognac
The vineyard primarily grows Ugni Blanc, which is distilled following the double distillation method typical of the region. The eaux-de-vie are then aged in oak casks—20% of which are new French oak with a heavy toast—to bring out notes of coffee, licorice, grilled almond, and vanilla. Over time, this careful aging process results in smooth, aromatic Cognacs with complex structure and depth.
The Cognac Collection
The house offers a refined selection, blending tradition and modern expression:
- VS Cognac – Light, fresh, and pear-forward with floral tones. Ideal for cocktails.
- VSOP Cognac – Smooth and well-balanced, offering fruity notes and subtle vanilla and toasted wood aromas.
- XO Cognac – Silky and powerful, featuring dried fruit and delicate spice. The long finish reveals harmoniously integrated oak.
- Limited Editions – Including rare casks like the 1940s Fins Bois, offering luxurious layers of candied fruit, spice, and caramel.
