Le Cognac de Noël - Pasquet "L'Esprit de Famille"

This Christmas Cognac is a unique eau-de-vie from the Petite Champagne region. The name, however, is incomplete because Noël and Marie-France have accomplished incre - dible feats together since 1976. This charming couple officially took over ten hectares of Petite Champagne vines in Sainte-Lheurine and Lonzac in 1982 which they farmed until their retirement in 2008. They still reside on the property that has been in the family since the post-phylloxera, although the vines are currently tended by a neighboring vintner.

Noël, the second of five children, the first son, was tapped to take over from his father who had taken over from his own father. In the mid-60s, an unfortunate tractor accident catapulted teenage Noël into the role of responsibility for the vines and the cattle, which they raised until the mid-80s. Adversity affects all of us differently and most definitely forged Noël's strength of character. There is simply not enough space in this booklet to describe the fortitude of this duo.

Marie-France, with the aid of her in-laws, looked after the farm and small daughter. Because of the cognac crisis, corn had been planted by fellow farmers, sparking the need to irrigate. After creating his own drill for well-digging, Noël began digging. He created other machines, built buildings, imagined and executed solutions for all sorts of problems, ranging from hoeing beetroots to cleaning potstills. In fact, he is related to Edmond Gregoire, the creator of the harvest machine here in Cognac.

As lifelong helpmates, Marie-France and Noël distilled this cognac together in their wood and charcoal-burning, 20 hectoliter potstill, in the same manner as they did from 1974 until 2008. They tended to their family, their vineyard, their potstill and their cellar, lovingly and indefatigably. The results of their labors are demonstrated in this exceptional eau-de-vie, a single barrel we selected in December 2019, brought down to its ideal alcoholic degree in our cellars, and hand bottled in August 2021. Their story touched us and we are so proud to be able to share their eau-de-vie with you as our final L’Esprit de Famille cognac. Additionally, Noël means Christmas in French and the spices of this cognac match its name perfectly

Description : A single 450 liter cask of cognac from Noël and Marie-France Gay’s Sainte-Lheurine vineyards was bottled to make Le Cognac de Noël. Through this cognac you will discover not only the singularity of an exceptional cognac but also the equally exceptional journey of Noël and Marie-France

Lot N°: L.94

Age : 26 years

Cru : Petite Champagne (d’Archiac)

Grape variety : 100% Ugni blanc Contents : 500 ml

Alcohol: 46,4% alc/vol.

Tasting notes :

Bouquet: On the nose, strong nutmeg, candied cinnamon, ginger bread and pastry. The strong spiciness is not overpowering, rather like baking at Christmas.. The spice is also softened by hint of bright citrus (initially lemon peel, followed by mandarin or orange peel) Palate The finish is long with notes of citrus and sweet spices.the nose. Very easy-drinking despite its intensit