Cognac and Pineau des Charentes

Located in Segonzac, the capital of the Grande Champagne, we have welcomed guests from all over the world who are drawn to the home of the celebrated spirit of cognac.

Whilst Cognac production stretches across both the Charente and Charente Maritime regions, the golden triangle known as the “Grande Champagne” is the area between Cognac, Segonzac and Jarnac. The Grande Champagne is the geological centre (or “terroir”) of cognac country producing the best “cru”.

Cognac is a blend of eaux-de-vie (twice distilled white wine) of different vintages (after ageing in oak barrels). Accordingly, there are several quality levels classified in accordance with legal standards based on the youngest eau-de-vie used:
VS ("Very Special"), which must be aged for a minimum of 2 years
VSOP ("Very Superior Old Pale"), which must be aged for a minimum of 4 years
XO ("Extra Old"), which must be aged for a minimum of 10 years

Cognac production is small in scale compared with say the whisky, vodka, gin and even the tequila industries but in 2022, over 212.5 million bottles were exported in nearly 150 countries for a total of €3.9bn annual sales. That is 7 bottles sold every second! Cognac accounts for nearly 25% of the revenue from the total French wine and spirits exports even though it represents only 10% of the country’s vineyards.

At anytime there are 7 years worth of stock ‘sleeping’ in the “chais” (overground cellars) equivalent of nearly 2 billion bottles. Each year, the equivalent of around 38 million bottles evaporate in the chais, this is called the “angels’ share”. The best and rarest cognac (some dating back to Napoleon) are kept under lock and key in the chais, in special areas called “paradise”.

98% of the total production is exported out of France. Although there are around 265 Cognac houses, four Cognac brands share around 85% of the world market by volume and nearly 90% by value : Hennessy (LVMH), Martell (Pernod Ricard), Rémy Martin (Rémy Cointreau), and Courvoisier (Campari).

Everyone has their own unique way of drinking Cognac. English consumers prefer Cognac neat and in cocktails while the French are rediscovering Cognac long drinks as an aperitif. In America, Cognac is the preferred drink of rappers and a growing number of hipsters, while in China it is not uncommon to enjoy Cognac during a meal. What all these savvy consumers have in common is their shared taste for elegance and inimitable quality.

"Cognac is for people who love life and good living. It is a way of life. But take your time. Taste it with your five senses. Look at it, take the glass in your hand and feel it, then smell it, then taste it and then clink your glass with your partners and say Cheers!"  Bernard Hine

Smaller independents producers

Local producers are proud to welcome visitors to show them theirs distilleries, chais and vineyards, which most of the time have been in their family for generations. It is your chance to see the process up close and get a taste of their unique Cognac straight from the barrel!

It is a great opportunity to experience a traditional way of life and bring back a unique product for you to enjoy back at home.

Pineau des Charentes

You cannot leave the area without tasting the local fortified wine : Pineau des Charentes. It is made at the beginning of the harvest, by mixing grape juice (freshly squeezed) with Cognac. It is then left in oak barrel to mature.

Wether you like it white or rosé, you’ll enjoy it cold as an apéritif with melon, foie gras or even chocolate.. And you can also cook with it!