Chateau de Montifaud Réserve Spéciale Michel Vallet Cognac

Chateau de Montifaud Réserve Spéciale Michel Vallet Cognac: a Millennium Special

Aged for a minimum of seven years, the Chateau de Montifaud Réserve Spéciale Michel Vallet Cognac is a Petite Champagne blend initially released for the turn of the millennium. Created for the year 2000 by Michel Vallet, the father of the current owner Laurent Vallet, this Cognac was first matured for one year in new barrels and then significantly more than six years in older barrels. Rather than being diluted with water before bottling, it has had the faibles (old, low-strength eaux-de-vie) added to preserve all the flavor. It’s an expression to surprise and delight with its maturity and character, a perfect reflection of its maker, and it seems fitting that Chateau de Montifaud calls this Cognac the “blend of a gentleman”. 

The chalky and slightly rocky soils of the Petite Champagne produce rich, acidic Ugni Blanc grapes that are perfect for making quality eaux-de-vie. While very similar to the produce of the Grande Champagne, they are also slightly less refined and with an underlying rustic character that develops with age. While Petite Champagne Cognacs are also great young, they often come into their own when matured slightly longer, as demonstrated here. 

The Vallet family have been the guardians of Château de Montifaud Cognac for six generations and are today responsible for 125 hectares of vineyards across the Grande and Petite Champagne regions. Specializing in traditional production methods, the family chooses to distil only Ugni Blanc grapes and age their Cognacs much longer than required by law. 

Presentation of the Bottle

The Chateau de Montifaud Réserve Spéciale Michel Vallet Cognac comes in a heavy, rounded decanter with a thick glass base and oversized gold stopper. The royal blue label is emblazoned with gold script, matching the presentation box. This is a lovely, luxurious package that would stand out in any Cognac collection. 

How to Enjoy Chateau de Montifaud Réserve Spéciale Michel Vallet Cognac

Take the time to leave this Cognac to rest in your glass before tasting it, and prepare yourself for the moment when you take the first sip. For the best tasting experience, serve at room temperature, or slightly chilled, in a tulip glass.