Maison Ferrand Cognac is a renowned French producer of high-quality Cognac. The centuries old company was acquired in 1989 by Alexandre Gabriel and is located in the heart of the Cognac region in France. Maison Ferrand is chiefly not only known for its dedication to traditional craftsmanship, but also for its attention to detail, and its commitment to producing exceptional Cognac expressions.
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History
Maison Ferrand has their production premises at the 18th century Château de Bonbonnet in Ars, in France’s legendary Cognac region. Consumers around the globe appreciate the company’s fine spirits brands, which are distributed in the USA and significantly worldwide, in more than 89 countries in some of the world’s most prestigious outlets.
Location:
Maison Ferrand is situated in the Cognac area, surrounded by prestigious vineyards .
Vineyard:
Maison Ferrand is located in the heart of the Cognac region in France, among the beautiful surroundings of vineyards and the charming estate. The historic buildings exude a sense of tradition and craftsmanship, setting the stage for an immersive experience. In light of their tradition, Maison Ferrand follows a meticulous process to create its Cognac, starting with the careful selection of grapes from the region’s vineyards. They primarily use Ugni Blanc grapes, which are known for their high acidity and suitability for distillation. The grapes are harvested and then pressed to extract the juice, which is fermented to produce a wine with especially low alcohol content while rather acidic, unquestionably the best wine to produce great cognac.
If you go there, take the opportunity to stroll through the vineyards, and learn about the grape varietals and the importance of terroir that significantly shapes the flavors of the final product.
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Distillation:
After fermentation, the wine undergoes a particularly important process: the double distillation using traditional copper stills called alambics charentais. This distillation process helps concentrate the flavors and aromas while removing impurities. The resulting distillate, known as eau-de-vie, is finally aged in oak barrels to develop its character and complexity.
While the house is old, the distillery is brand new, and this is where some magic happens. The wine is heated in the first alambic, and consequently the vapors rise, carrying the alcohol and aromatic compounds with them. At this point, these vapors pass through the swan neck, condensing into a liquid called brouillis. The brouillis is furthermore distilled a second time, separating the “heads” (undesirable compounds) and the “tails” (lower-quality alcohol) from the heart of the distillate, known as the “cœur” or “heart cut.” The cœur is eventually the prized distillate that will be aged to become Cognac.
Maturation:
At this point, the distillate will go to the cellars, where the aging process takes place. The cellars are a sensory delight, where you witness rows upon rows of oak barrels, each developing its unique character over time. Another key point is that through a meticulous cask management, the distillery creates various paces for aging their eaux-de-vies.
The aging process at Maison Ferrand Cognac is a critical step in the production of their exceptional spirits. Here’s a description of the aging process at Maison Ferrand:
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Barrel Selection:
They take great care in selecting the barrels used for aging their eaux-de-vies. They primarily use French oak barrels, carefully chosen based on their age, previous usage, and therfore the specific characteristics desired for each Cognac expression.
Maturation in Cellars:
The cellars provide the ideal environment for aging Cognac, with stable temperature and humidity levels. Maison Ferrand’s cellars are comparatively either dry or wet, hence allowing for a variation in the gradual maturation process.
Aging process
The aging process at Maison Ferrand is not rushed. The eau-de-vie is left to mature in oak barrels for a significant period, typically ranging from a few years to several decades. During this time, the spirit undergoes a series of chemical reactions with the wood, resulting in the development of complex flavors and the mellowing of harsh edges.
Wood influence:
The wood imparts its own characteristics to the spirit, adding flavors such as vanilla, spice, and subtle hints of oak. Additionally, the wood allows for the gradual oxidation of the Cognac, promoting the development of rich, round flavors and a smooth mouthfeel.
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Blending:
The master blenders play a crucial role in the aging process. They carefully monitor the barrels, regularly tasting and assessing the maturing Cognacs. Through their expertise, they ensure consistency and balance in each expression. Then, by blending different eaux-de-vie of various ages and characteristics they can create a harmonious final product that showcases the desired flavor profile.
It is through this process that the spirits gain their depth, complexity, and the distinct character that Maison Ferrand is known for.
Tasting and expressions:
Time for a tasting to take the opportunity to appreciate the complex flavors, the aromas that waft from the glass, and the smoothness that can only come from years of aging. Each expression is a wonder with its own merit, and they are all praised by the experts in the first place.
The range of Cognacs offered by Maison Ferrand includes:
Cognac 10 Generations:
A tribute to the 10 generations of Ferrand who built the House and created the legacy. This Grande Champagne cognac is unique as 20% of it is aged in ex-Sauternes barrels. Also, it is bottled at a higher proof than usual, 46% abv (the vas majority of cognac are at 40%).
Tatsing notes:
NOSE: The Nose is offering a nice fruitiness impression (apricot, fruit cake, raisins), along with an intense flower bouquet (rose, orange blossom, honey), and with light woody influence of caramel, coconut, nutmeg and ginger.
PALATE: The Palate is conforting the fruitiness with dried fruits, baked pear, pineapple, grapes; the floraliness shows also, with nuttiness, honey and a Sauternes note,
FINISH: The Finish is long, lingering on fruits, some with minty notes surrounded by tobacco.
Overall, Maison Ferrand Cognac represents a legacy of expertise, passion, and respect for traditional methods in the creation of exquisite Cognac expressions, led by Alexandrre Gabriel, and enjoyed by connoisseurs and enthusiasts around the world.
Cognac Ferrand website: https://ferrandcognac.com/
BNIC website: https://www.cognac.fr/en/
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BUT, THERE IS MORE…
In addition to Cognac, Maison Ferrand also produces other fine spirits, including rum and gin, under different brand names such as Plantation Rum and Citadelle Gin. These spirits reflect the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship that defines Maison Ferrand’s approach to Cognac production.
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Gin Citadelle:
In 1996, Alexandre created Citadelle Gin, the Gin de France, spearheading the movement for French gins. Alexandre Gabriel obtained the AOC authorization to distill gin during the period that the cognac stills were usually dormant, giving the traditional copper pot stills new life and purpose.
The Citadelle range of gins is a collection of meticulously crafted spirits produced by Maison Ferrand, known for their expertise in the art of distillation. Citadelle gins are renowned for their balanced and complex profiles, combining traditional gin botanicals with unique flavor profiles inspired by history and innovation. Here’s an overview of the Citadelle gin range:
Citadelle Original:
It is the flagship expression of the range, known for its classic yet refined character. It is distilled with 19 botanicals, including juniper, coriander, citrus peel, cardamom, and cinnamon, among others. The result is a smooth and well-balanced gin with vibrant citrus notes, subtle spice, and a crisp finish. Citadelle Original captures the essence of a traditional London Dry Gin with a touch of French elegance.
Citadelle Réserve:
It is a barrel-aged gin that undergoes maturation in oak casks. This aging process imparts additional depth and complexity to the gin, as it develops rich flavors and aromas from the wood. The botanicals used in Citadelle Réserve are similar to the original expression, but the aging process adds layers of vanilla, spice, and oak to create a distinctive and luxurious gin.
Citadelle Jardin d’Été
It is a seasonal gin that captures the essence of summer in a bottle. This limited-edition expression features botanicals inspired by a summer garden, such as vine flowers, fresh roses, and lemon and orange peels. It offers a refreshing and vibrant gin experience, perfect for enjoying during the warmer months.
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Where to buy Citadelle gin: https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/citadelle+gin+france/1/usa
Committment:
Throughout the Citadelle gin range, Maison Ferrand upholds its commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and innovation. The botanical selection, meticulous distillation, and thoughtful aging processes (for “Reserve”) result in gins that are both versatile for cocktails and delightful sipped neat or on the rocks. Citadelle gins are a testament to Maison Ferrand’s dedication to creating exceptional spirits that exemplify the artistry and tradition of gin production.
RUM:
Alexandre then introduced Plantation Rum in 1999, reflecting his passion for old rum-making techniques and implementing the signature double ageing process that distinguishes these spirits. After several years ageing in Bourbon casks in the tropics, Plantation Rum is then shipped on boats to Château de Bonbonnet in France, where the second maturation process takes place in Ferrand French oak casks, emhancing the rum with delicate tannic undertones.
Rum Plantation Website: https://www.plantationrum.com/
In March 2017, Maison Ferrand acquired the West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados. Thanks to these exceptional production tools, Alexandre Gabriel fulfilled his vision of creating amazing rums through an ongoing experimentation process that pairs modern techniques with the ancestral methods of making fine rums.
Rum Range:
The range of Plantation rums is a diverse and exquisite collection of spirits crafted by Maison Ferrand, showcasing the unique flavors and character of rums from various Caribbean countries. From Barbados to Jamaica, Trinidad to Guyana, each expression in the Plantation range represents the terroir and traditional production methods of its country of origin. With a focus on cask aging and meticulous blending, Plantation rums offer a spectrum of profiles, from light and floral to rich and complex, with flavors of tropical fruits, caramel, spices, and oak. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, the Plantation range provides a journey through the vibrant and flavorful world of Caribbean rums, delivering exceptional experiences to rum enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
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Overall, a visit to Maison Ferrand Cognac is a journey into the world of exceptional spirits, where tradition, craftsmanship, and passion intersect. It’s an experience that allows you to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Cognac while immersing yourself in the heritage and expertise of Maison Ferrand.
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