Cognac Park XO Grande Champagne finds the Distillerie Tessendier brand reaching into Cognac’s higher echelon. It’s a unique Brandy within Park’s range as it avoids using any grapes from the Borderies region, where their estate is located. Rather, the XO Grande Champagne only uses fruit’s from the commune’s most famed cru.
Made with 100% Ugni Blanc grapes from the Grande Champagne, the XO Grande Champagne spends its first 12 months maturing in new Limousin oak barrels. Then, the eaux-de-vie is transferred to red used casks where it spends at least 10 years.
On the nose, aromas of dried apricot and hazelnuts mix with notes of gingerbread. The palate features gingerbread and tobacco along with vanilla and almonds, which leads to a long, elegant finish.
Cognac Park XO Grande Champagne is definitely a Cognac that should be enjoyed neat. If you’re looking to pair it with something, the House recommends toasted rustic bread, chopped shiitake mushrooms and Bellota ham. Apparently, the delicate nutty taste of the Bellota helps reveal the delicate floral notes of Park XO Grande Champagne, while the melting umami of the Shiitake strengthens the creaminess of this cognac.
Established in 1880, Cognac Park is the premier brand produced by Distillerie Tessendier. Today, the distillery and vineyards are composed within an estate of more than 60 acres in the heart of one of the most exclusive growing areas of Cognac: The Borderies. The distillery is in its fourth generation of family ownership with brothers and Master Blenders Lilian and Jérôme Tessendier currently at the helm. One of the most innovative creators of the French spirit, the house ventures beyond classical frontiers, developing Cognacs with contemporary twists.
Cognac Park makes a variety of different Cognacs, including Park VSOP, Park Borderies, Park XO Cigar Blend, and Park Extra Grande Champagne, which are all part of their core range.
