Tesseron Lot N° 76 XO Tradition Cognac

Tesseron Lot 76 XO Tradition Cognac Four generations of savoir-faire have meant that the Tesseron estate in Châteauneuf-sur-Charente possess a truly fine Paradis cellar. They are one of the few Cognac houses that possess three grape varieties, giving them an edge over many producers.

The maître de chai creates a unique blend from the different grapes; blending with such expertise to give Cognacs such as the Lot 76 XO Cognac their own unique personality.

The lot number of a Tesseron Cognac is a good indication of the average year of distillation of such a fine elixir. As an Extra Old Cognac, the oldest eaux-de-vie of this Tesseron XO Lot 76 was distilled in 1976, and most of the eaux-de-vies have been aged for over a generation. Blended exceptionally from a selection of reserve stocks, this Grande Champagne Cognac has been aged to perfection. The Grande Champagne, also known as the Premier Cru, is renowned for its premium chalk soil and limestone subsoil, thanks to a maritime climate and millions of years of gradual fossilization. It is a unique terroir, with sloping hills catching the sunlight at the right time of day, and creating fine, floral eaux-de-vies from its Ugni-Blanc grape variety for the Tesseron Lot 76 Extra Old. Aged in Limousin French oak barrels in Chateauneuf-sur-Charente, this XO Cognac is a wonderful example of Tesseron’s fine expression of the Grande Champagne. The Tesseron philosophy for creating the Lot 76 XO Tradition Cognac Underneath the old church in the Tesseron Cellar, the Cognac house strive to age only Cognacs of “XO and beyond” quality.

Lot 76 Cognac Awards Spirit Journal : **** Highly Recommended Wine Magazine: ****(*) Wine Enthusiast: 90-95 points Superb International Wine & Spirit Competition: Silver 2009

How to serve and presentation A XO Cognac from the Grande Champagne of this age and quality should be savored neat, or over ice. It arrives in a regal golden brown box, in a traditional bottle.

Rosé Imperial displays a pink color with amber highlights. Lively and intense, the bouquet exudes red fruits (wild strawberry, raspberry, cherry) with floral nuances of rose and a slight hint of pepper. On the palate, the wine shows a juicy intensity of berries (strawberry, raspberry, red currant) rounded out by the fleshiness and firmness of peach and the freshness of a subtle note of mint.

Tasting Panel: Lovely pink hue; fresh, fragrant, and smooth with notes of strawberry and apple; elegant and long.

Wine Spectator: Delicate verbena and candied pink grapefruit zest accents lead to macerated blackberry, toasted nut and saline notes in this balanced and creamy rosé, with well-cut acidity.

Wine & Spirits: This blend is mostly Pinot Noir and Meunier, including 10 percent red wine for color. Chardonnay accounts for 10 to 20 percent, including a portion of reserve wines that may be providing the oceanic, oyster-shell notes that bring to mind Champagne's Kimmeridgean limestone. This is broad and loose up front, with fruity scents of orange and pomegranate. Then the wine keeps buzzing with brisk acidity, tightening up and extending the flavors with energy. An impressive release of Imperial.

James Suckling: A complex and fresh nose with fresh berries, as well as berry pastry and biscuits. The palate has a fresh, crisp and lively feel with impressively upbeat berries. Drink now.

Decanter: Restrained red fruit nose. Long, rolling palate, fresh and crisp throughout, with abundant cranberry, sherbet lemon, green herb and ginger flavours.

An exceptionally smooth brandy with rich complex flavors, Beautiful amber color with golden reflections.

Vinous notes and aromas of candied fruit, very lightly roasted

Jelzin Vodka is a classic mixing Vodka and is ideal for a wide range of interesting drinks and cocktails. It’s very clear aroma with hints of herbs and citrus never distorts the flavor of other ingredients.

Whether mixed with energy drinks, bitter lemon or Cola it always offers the perfect basis of alcohol for a long night.

You can also try it as a shot or on ice.

Medium sweet, medium acidic, honey melon notes, orange marmalade notes, hint of honey.

TASTE Mellow and sweet whites are medium-dry or even sweet. You can discern apricot, honeydew melon and floral notes in these wines. Residual sugar rounds up the flavour.

TIPS FOR USE These wines are all characterised by delicious, fruity sweetness, which means that they are excellent for socialising and a good match for Eastern dishes and vegetables. Try with Indian vegetable or chicken korma, shrimp and cheese quiche or black label Emmental.

HOW TO SERVE White wines are best served chilled, at 10–12°C. Chilling a bottle from room temperature to the perfect serving temperature takes about two hours in a fridge. The sweeter the wine, the cooler it can be served.

Find this and more exceptional selections at Kaasak.

Baron D'Arignac is a great companion of the best moments in people's lives. A great, inexpensive alternative to champagne. This sparkler has fine bubbles, a good mousse and crisp, spritzing acidity on the palate. A good aperitif.