Merlet cognac: a guide to alcohol

The history of Merlet cognac

The Merlet cognac house dates back to 1850. For a long time, about a hundred years, Merlet was engaged in the production of eaux-de-vie - young cognac spirits without aging - and selling them to large manufacturers, one of which was the Hennessy Cognac House...

The company has its own vineyards, which are located mainly in the Bordeaux sub-zone, while the total area of vineyards owned by Merlet is about 40 hectares.

In 1973, Gilles Merle, who was the fourth heir and owner of the company, decided to start producing his own brand of cognac, branded with his name. At the same time, he faced a big problem - there were a lot of cognac producers, which made it almost impossible for a newcomer with an unknown name to enter the market.

The company made a non-standard and risky decision to start producing Cassis liqueur from black currant. In addition, it was a serious challenge to the terroir, which was ideally suited for growing grapes.

In 1979, the first blackcurrant bushes appeared in Merle's possession, and 4 years later, in 1983, the Crème de Cassis de Saintonge liqueur was released. It quickly fell in love with consumers, and also received high marks from famous critics of the time. To everyone's surprise, the soils of the Bordereaux sub-zone allowed for excellent yields of black currant.

To finally consolidate the company's vector of movement towards innovation, Gilles released many new drinks, combining different fruits, liqueurs and wines. At the same time, Merlet did not forget about its more familiar products - cognac and Pinot de Charente.

After a decline, the production of cognacs was resumed in 2010 by Gilles and his sons. Now they adhere to the traditional principles of production, and before distillation, they age the wine on yeast lees, after which the finished distillate is aged in old barrels.

Merle's equipment and facilities are used to produce such products as Citadel gin and Spiteil rum.

Types of Merlet cognacs

1. Merlet VS

   It is aged for 2 years, thanks to which it has a refined and delicate aroma with notes of vanilla and white flowers. Great for creating a large number of cocktails. When consumed in its pure form, it is recommended to serve at a temperature from -18°C to +5-10°C, you can add ice.

2. Merlet VSOP

   The aging is at least 4 years, during which the cognac manages to gain a certain intensity in the aroma, which is manifested by floral shades and hazelnut notes, light creamy and caramel tones are also felt. Has a long aftertaste that repeats the aroma. Used as a base for premium cocktails, when served neat, it is recommended to cool to a temperature of 8-12°C. Combines with coffee and chocolate.

3. Merlet Brothers Blend VSOP

   Aging for at least 4 years, and differs from the previous one in that part of the grapes for Brothers Blend is harvested in the Grand Champagne area. The aroma of the cognac is rounded, with candied apricot and quince, cinnamon and vanilla. The taste is not alcoholic, has a long aftertaste, in which ripe apricot, honey and nutty bitterness are felt. Suitable for premium cocktails, as well as for consumption in its pure form at a serving temperature of 8-12°C, accompanied by coffee, chocolate or cigar.

4. Merlet Selection Saint Sauvant

   The grapes for this cognac are harvested from such Cognac areas as: Petit Champagne, Grand Champagne, Fen Boa and Bordery, and the blend includes spirits aged for ten years, as well as those obtained in 2001, 1993, 1992, 1984, 1971 and 1973. The aroma of the cognac is intense and very complex, with hints of apricot, candied fruit, vanilla and cinnamon, complemented by notes of jasmine and violet. The taste is soft, rounded and not alcoholic, with dried apricots, figs, linden flowers, wood and tobacco tones in the aftertaste. It is consumed in its pure form at a temperature of 8-12°C.

5. Merlet XO

   The cognac is aged for more than 6 years, and its peculiarity is that the grapes for it are harvested from all six sub-zones of Cognac. The result is a drink that has a bright, deep and extremely rich flavor - orange peel and candied fruit, flowers and cream, honey and cinnamon, dried fruit and tobacco... The taste is just as bright and slightly spicy, full-bodied. The long aftertaste is dominated by fruity shades with nutty nuances. Served at a temperature of 8-12°C, neat.

Update: 08.09.2021

Category: Brandy and Cognac