Cognac Monnet: a guide to alcohol
About the Monnet brand
French cognac Monnet is a representative of elite alcoholic beverages made by experienced winemakers with a huge work experience. Only the best cognac spirits are used for the production of cognac, the grapes for which are grown in the most prestigious French provinces.
It is important to understand that Monnet does not have its own vineyards, so the raw materials are purchased from the most famous cognac houses in the region, which have the highest requirements for the harvest. For the production of Monnet cognac, most of the cognac spirits (eaux-de-vies) are selected from the Grand Champagne, Petit Champagne, Bordeaux and Fen Bois regions. During the creation of Monnet cognacs, distillation takes place in accordance with traditional methods.
To obtain a more intense flavor, the cognac is aged in barrels of Limousin oak. The maturation process is strictly controlled by the master.
The history of Monnet cognac
House of J.G. Monnet was founded by local vineyard owners in 1838, and was originally called "La Societe des Proprietaires Vinicoles de Cognac".
In 1897, Jean-Gabriel Monet bought the company and named it after himself. In addition to his name, he gave the new cognac house an unforgettable emblem - a salamander. The sacred meaning behind it was that cognac, like a salamander, is repeatedly exposed to fire during distillation, but this only improves its properties, makes it stronger and more beautiful. In addition, the image of a salamander spewing fire is on the coat of arms of the ancient royal house of Valois. Its most famous representative, Francis I Valois, was born in the city of Cognac.
After the First World War, Jean-Gabriel passed the house of Monnet to his son Jean, who founded the European Economic Union and managed the cognac house in the meantime.
Jean Monet sold his father's business in 1963 to the German association Scharlachberg, and they resold it to the Hennessy house in 1985.
Types of Monnet cognac
Vzboltai recommends serving Monnet cognac at a temperature of +20°C.
Monnet VS
Amber-colored cognac with golden hues. Aromas of flowers, tones of spices with light notes of vanilla. Fresh delicate taste with a long aftertaste.
Recommended to serve as a digestif, as well as an aperitif in combination with ice and tonic.
Monnet VSOP
Amber-colored cognac with golden hues. Aromas of flowers, tones of spices with light notes of vanilla. Rich, perfectly balanced flavor and long aftertaste with hints of walnut.
Monnet XO
The drink has a rich golden color with reddish tints. Monnet XO fascinates from the first sip with its noble and rounded taste that cannot be forgotten. The aftertaste is a warm wave with a hint of walnut. You will want to enjoy this drink more than once.
Monnet XXO
After the National Interprofessional Bureau of Cognac (BNIC) announced the launch of a new category of super-premium cognacs, XXO, Monnet announced that they will be releasing Monnet Extra Extra Old Cognac.
XXO stands for "Extra Extra Old" and requires the youngest cognac spirit in the blend to be at least 14 years old.
Monnet has taken advantage of the newest addition to the AOC cognac, which was created in December 2018, allowing all cognac houses to bottle XXO. They relaunched their brand and design. The difference from Monnet XO is that it is older in terms of aging.
Monnet Flamboyant XO
This Extra Old cognac is created by slowly blending cognac spirits selected mainly from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. Aged in Limousin oak barrels for much longer than the minimum time required for the XO appellation, this magical elixir embodies all the warmth, generosity and quality for which the House of Monnet is famous. A superb XO that strikes the perfect balance between structure, character and refinement.
With its excellent roundness and persistent aftertaste, this cognac is best enjoyed neat or chilled on the rocks. Pour into a tulip glass, leaving the cognac to breathe for a few moments before tasting. During tasting through a tulip glass, the flavors are revealed with maximum potential. Combined with a fine cigar, you will take the tasting experience to a new dimension.
Interesting facts about Monnet cognac
The residence of the Monnet family is located in the heart of the Poitou-Charentes province, not far from the city of Cognac. Its building, erected in the first half of the XIX century by prominent architects, is made in the classic French Empire style and, in appearance, is very similar to the summer residence of Napoleon I.
The famous politician and owner of the company J.G. Monnet & Co. Throughout his life, Jean Monnet perfectly combined work for the benefit of his company and his country.
Cognac house J.G. Monnet & Co. is a multiple winner and participant of numerous international tastings and competitions. The company's award portfolio is so large that a separate room is allocated for its demonstration in the Monnet estate. And, most likely, this is not the limit.
An annual literary competition is held in the city of Cognac. The highest award for winning it is the Jean Monnet Prize. A similar award for outstanding achievements in economic and social development is presented at the European Yuste Academy.
Update: 06.11.2021
Category: Brandy and Cognac