Learn more about the different Cognac ages here
Learn more about the different growth areas here
Part of A.E. Dor's 'Tradition' range, the A.E. Dor Vieille Fine Champagne XO Cognac is remarkably light and elegant. A delicate combination of Colombard, Folle Blanche and Ugni Blanc grapes from the Grande and Petite Champagne growing regions have given this XO finesse and character, while a minimum maturation period of 25 years in both dry and humid cellars has provided exceptional depth. This is a Cognac whose taste experience belies its price tag - in other words, it almost seems too good to be true!
The Fine Champagne terroirs are famous for chalky soils and undulating hills, the perfect conditions for creating eaux-de-vie with floral finesse and depth of flavor. The eaux-de-vie from this region also benefit from extended aging - something which is respected at A.E. Dor, where this XO has been rested for over two and a half decades, significantly more than the minimum of six years required for an XO Cognac. The aging is done in casks of about 270 to 450 litres. The natural humidity of the cellars is one of the key factors determining the maturation; damp cellars tend to produce mellow, rounded Cognacs while dry cellars result in a more astringent and complex profile.
By creating a balance between humidity and drought, the house of A.E. Dor let their eaux-de-vie age harmoniously. The result is a complex, yet superbly balanced Cognac experience.
The house of A.E. Dor, named after founder Amédée Edouard Dor, started as a company in 1858. Dor originally began as a négociant - buying and selling casks - but later decides to move into production and create his own Cognac range. Since then, the company has continued to evolve and now produces a wide range of highly-recognized eaux-de-vie from their headquarters by the edge of Grande Champagne.
Today the house is run by Pierre Antoine Rivière, who is on a mission to create quality Cognacs that will appeal to a wider, international market. With extraordinary attention to detail, he has managed to craft timeless expressions that continue to win favor with Cognac experts around the world. This is a release you don’t want to miss out on.
The AE Dor Vieille Fine Champagne XO Cognac comes in a tall, straight bottle, a style which was very popular in the 19th century. The vintage-style label and wax medallion give the bottle a premium feel, and a cream-colored presentation box completes the package.
Mature, well-rounded, with a bouquet and flavors that evolve delightfully during the taste experience, this is a perfect Cognac to enjoy in the traditional manner - from a tulip glass, gently warmed in the hand and sipped as a digestif after a fine meal.
Great nose, great finish (a bit short though). The palate is also really balanced and rather mild. I'd say this is a great bottle (also from a design perspective) with a very solid Fine Champagne blend. Well done A.E. Dor
The vintage eaux-de-vie of A.E. Dor are one the few that are left from before phylloxera struck the region in 1874. Adapting to current developments in the cognac industry and the luxury market in general, the company, today headed by Jacques Riviere, have launched a new range of products that target a wider and more international group of consumers.
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