Extra/Vintage Cognac
Cognac’s hinterland beyond XO is one of great variation, but with the common thread of aged eaux-de-vie that have often spent many decades in cask. These are highly sought-after Cognacs for the top end of the market, characterised by that almost indefinable ‘rancio’ character that only comes with great age.
Vintages also inhabit this part of the market, but not always. These are Cognacs that run counter to the dominant local technique of blending, expressing the character of an individual harvest in a way that is reminiscent of fine wine.
A family-run Cognac house for well over 150 years – most recently under Jean-Jacques Trijol and his two daughters – Maxime Trijol is unusual in carrying out the entire production process, from vineyards (Grande and Petite Champagne) to bottle. In a comprehensive portfolio of excellent Cognacs, Extra is a classically fine expression of Grande Champagne.
Serving Suggestions: Just a good glass, and time.
Tasting Notes
Heady aromas of jasmine and violet leap out of the glass, alongside bright fruit and an umami hint of rancio. The texture is pure velvet, with ginger and drying oak filling out the mid-palate before the power builds with an irrepressible lift of forest floor rancio. Mouthfilling and intense, the gloriously endless finish brings dark chocolate and a spike of menthol.
