As an acclaimed artisan in the world of fine cognac, Courvoisier delivers a distinct flavor profile rooted in generations of tradition. For over 200 years, the House of Courvoisier has crafted elegant, award-winning cognacs acclaimed for their complexity, smoothness, and balance. This guide will explore Courvoisier‘s storied history, proper pronunciation, production methods, taste, and how to best savor this pinnacle of French brandy.
A Name Synonymous with Cognac Excellence
Founded in 1809 by entrepreneur Emmanuel Courvoisier, Courvoisier is one of the oldest cognac brands still in existence. Based in the town of Jarnac in France‘s renowned Cognac region, Courvoisier helped shape what we know as cognac today. Their early success even led Napoleon to request that Courvoisier supply cognac to his imperial court.
Courvoisier operates out of the beautiful Château de Jarnac along the Charente River. In its cellars dating back to the 18th century, you‘ll find over 1,000 oak casks aging to perfection. According to the Cognac Bureau, Courvoisier is the second largest cognac house by volume, producing over 3.5 million bottles annually.
The brand‘s longevity and constancy have led to worldwide fame. Courvoisier regularly earns awards at spirit competitions, including double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. As cognac expert Régis Chayette states, "The chance to enjoy a glass of Courvoisier is a moment of wonder."
Perfecting the French Pronunciation
Given Courvoisier‘s French origins, it‘s fitting to pronounce it in the proper French style:
"koor-vwah-zee-ay"
The emphasis is on the middle syllable "vwah." Avoid common mispronunciations like "cour-voy-zer" or "cour-vwah-zier."
Show respect for this paragon of French cognac by pronouncing Courvoisier as close as possible to the native French, just as you would pronounce other French luxury names like Moët, Renault, or Evian.
Skilled Craftsmanship Honoring Generations of Tradition
So what makes Courvoisier taste so exquisite? Two words – skill and time.
Cognac production is a careful multi-step process. It starts by harvesting specific grapes during cooler seasons, as cognac grapes thrive in France‘s temperate climate. Ugni Blanc is the main variety used, along with small amounts of Folle Blanche and Colombard.
The grapes are pressed quickly to capture their pure, lively flavors. Then, the grape juice begins double distillation in copper pot stills, a cognac hallmark. Courvoisier maintains over 60 copper pot stills to transform the wine into a high-proof spirit.
According to Courvoisier Master Blender Patrice Pinet, distillation requires "patience and care" to create the desired light, floral spirit. The heart of the second distillation, called "la bonne chauffe," is kept for aging.
After distillation, the eaux-de-vie (clear, colorless spirits) are transferred to French Limousin or Tronçais oak casks. Courvoisier ages its cognacs for at least 2 years, though its premium XO expressions can age for 4 decades or more.
Over the years, the spirits interact with the wood, gaining amber color and signature notes of vanilla, nuts, and spice. After aging, the cellar master blends various eaux-de-vie to create the right Courvoisier flavor profile.
This dedication to craft has been passed down for generations, making Courvoisier synonymous with quality. As Cellarmaster Derek Jamieson says, “You don’t just learn cognac – you absorb a way of life."
Pleasing the Palate: The Courvoisier Taste Experience
I‘ve personally sampled many of Courvoisier‘s copious expressions. Sipping their cognac is like stepping into a garden bursting with fruits and flowers.
Courvoisier VS is aged 2-8 years for lighter fruit notes of pear, peach, and cherry. It makes a mellow introduction to the brand.
Moving up, Courvoisier VSOP with 4-12 years of aging rewards you with orange blossoms, jasmine, baked apple, and honey. It‘s ideal for savoring after dinner.
The pristine flavor of Courvoisier XO, aged 10-25 years, captivates you with sandalwood, walnut, and marzipan enveloped in delicate magnolia. Cognac authority F. Paul Pacult gives Courvoisier XO 96 points, praising its “alluring taste and texture.”
At the pinnacle is L‘Essence de Courvoisier, a sophsiticated blend aged for up to 60 years in century-old casks. Notes of orange marmalade, cloves, and candied fruit delight the senses. For its 40-year expression, Wine Enthusiast proclaims “if you have the money, buy it.”
Courvoisier also crafts exclusive bottlings like Extra de Courvoisier, created to enjoy over ice with mouthwatering citrus and vanilla notes. No matter your preference, there‘s a Courvoisier cognac waiting to be savored at its peak.
Serving Suggestions: How to Best Appreciate Courvoisier
To fully engage the senses, I suggest enjoying Courvoisier at slightly below room temperature and sampling it neat first. Allow the cognac to aerate so you can discern its nuanced layers of aroma and flavor.
Let the cognac linger on your palate for a moment before swallowing to pick up subtle notes. Adding a few drops of water can also "open" a cognac to release further complexity.
For a timeless cocktail, mix Courvoisier VSOP with fresh lemon juice and orange liqueur to create a silky Sidecar. Or in a flute, make a perfect French 75 by topping Courvoisier with dry champagne and a twist of lemon.
While Courvoisier shines on its own, cutting-edge mixologists also use it in novel recipes, like the Courvoisier Jewel with Aperol, honey syrup, and lemon bitters. Feel free to get creative with this versatile cognac!
No matter how you incorporate Courvoisier into your sipping experience, do so slowly and mindfully. Appreciate the aromas before tasting and let the flavors bloom on your palate. Recognize the generations of tradition bottled within each sip.
When Only the Best Cognac Will Do
With its prestige lineage dating back over 200 years, Courvoisier remains an iconic name in French spirits. For connoisseurs wanting to experience the height of cognac craftsmanship, Courvoisier delivers sophistication and excellence bottled to perfection.
Next time you have an occasion meriting the ultimate cognac, from celebrating a promotion to toasting your anniversary, reach for Courvoisier. Let the mellow fragrance transport you and the rich palate impress you.
As a long-time Courvoisier enthusiast, I‘m certain your appreciation for fine cognac will only deepen each time you open a bottle. From the satisfying pop of the cork to the last lingering sip, you are embracing one of France‘s finest gifts to the world.
