Learn more about the different Cognac ages
Learn more about the different Cognac growth areas
The François Voyer XO 1er Cru is one of the house’s best-known expressions, produced exclusively from Ugni Blanc grapes grown in Grande Champagne, the Premier Cru of the Cognac region. Bottled at 40% ABV, this XO is composed of eaux-de-vie aged for approximately 20 years on average. The blend incorporates Cognacs from different periods, including older components dating back to 1988, alongside eaux-de-vie distilled between the 1990s and 2013. Since 2010, François Voyer has used a solera-inspired blending technique for this expression.
Younger eaux-de-vie are progressively added to an older blending base, helping preserve the aromatic profile and consistency of the XO from one bottling to the next. The eaux-de-vie are initially matured in younger French oak barrels before being transferred to older casks, where the slower ageing process allows the fruit, vanilla and wood notes to become fully integrated. The result is a complex yet approachable Grande Champagne Cognac, combining ripe orchard fruit with supple oak and a long, elegant palate.
The François Voyer XO 1er Cru is presented in a broad, rounded decanter decorated with delicate vine motifs and gold detailing. Its warm amber colour remains clearly visible through the glass. The Cognac is available in a 70 cl decanter and a larger 300 cl format. The decanter is supplied in a presentation case, making it suitable both for gifting and for displaying in a Cognac collection.
The François Voyer XO is best enjoyed neat in a tulip glass. Allow it to rest for several minutes after pouring so that its aromas of peach, plum, quince and vanilla can develop fully. It can also be served over a single large ice cube. Its balance of mature fruit and soft oak makes it particularly enjoyable after dinner or during a relaxed tasting with friends.
Flavour profile
François Voyer 1er Cru opens with a rich and immediately expressive profile, showing a clear fruit-forward style wrapped in polished oak. On the nose, it feels clean and fairly intense, offering notes of red plum, dried fruits and ripe pear, supported by touches of rose, vanilla, honey and old oak....
This has a very pleasant, smooth taste with the light taste of tarte Cherry and new Oak wood.
On the nose it reminds me of Bakewell tarts. A tad hollowed out on the palate but enough about it to warrant the price. Decent.
 | François Voyer is a family Cognac house at Verrières, in the heart of the Grande Champagne. Its vines lie in Verrières and Ambleville, and cellar master Pierre Vaudon has run the cellars since 2000. The classic range runs from VSOP to Hors d'Age and the Ancestrale editions, and three new single casks carry an age statement: the 12 Years Double Cask, finished in Swiss oak, and the cask-strength 20 Years and 25 Years.
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