IWFS Exclusive Edition presented by Cognac Expert

IWFS Exclusive Edition presented by Cognac Expert

Trilogie II Cognac is a blend of three different eaux-de-vie (Often we say the final blend is a Cognac but the individual components are each eau-de-vie, French for water of life):

• Fins Bois: 35-40 years old, natural 50% abv, 21.4% of the blend, vines in Chermignac in close proximity to the domaine.
• Fins Bois: 1994 (29 years), natural 52% abv, 64.3% of the blend, vines in Chermignac in close proximity to the domaine.
• Grande Champagne: 1980s, natural 48% abv, 14.3% of the blend

The selection process for Trilogie II was a natural evolution from last year’s Cognac edition. The first Trilogie edition, produced in collaboration with Cognac Prunier, served as a valuable point of reference when making this year’s selection. Trilogie II is to be of the same high quality and maturity but to also possess a different aromatic and flavor profile. The Prunier edition was a warming, rich, and sensual Cognac with a complex balance of candied fruit, spice, tobacco, and rancio. For this second edition, Trilogie II, the goal was to let the fruit shine.

The first produced sample was a blend of the above two Fins Bois eaux-de-vie. The fruit was indeed in full force, but the Cognac’s length could be improved. Fins Bois Cognacs tend to age quicker relative to Cognacs from the Petite and Grande Champagne crus. In other words, a little structure was missing which would give the Cognac more of a spine, whilst also improving the length but leaving the fruit perfectly intact. For this reason, Vallein Tercinier’s cellar master took this feedback and proceeded to add a measured amount of a Grande Champagne eau-de-vie to the original base of two Fins Bois eaux-de-vie. 14.3% of the final blend is a Grande Champagne eau-de-vie distilled in the 1980s, still aging in barrel today. The Fins Bois gives the fruit; the Grande Champagne contributes structure and refinement.

What’s in the bottle promises to be a Cognac of elegance, purity of fruit, and complex mature notes which counterbalance the immense fruit.