Gautier cognac: a guide to alcohol
About the Gautier brand
Gautier was founded in 1755, and now it has more than 10 generations who have given their experience and diligence to preserving and developing its traditions and well-deserved reputation. The company is located in Aigre, in the Fen-Bois department, but the Gautier cellars are located on an island, in the middle of a tributary of the Charente River, where oak barrels are stored at a constant level of humidity, so that aging takes place in optimal conditions... Spirits that are more than 150 years old are stored here. These spirits are used by the masters of blending to create exclusive versions of cognac.
The Gautier Cognac House produces a full range of products: VS, VSOP, XO cognacs, as well as special limited versions.
The grapes for the cognac production of the Gautier house are grown in the best areas of the Cognac district - Grand Champagne, Petit Champagne, Fen Bois, Bordery, Bon Bois, Bois Ordinaire and Bois-Commune. In total, the company's vineyards cover an area of 82,000 hectares, and the number of people working on them reaches 51,000.
Gautier cognac is sold in 70 countries, and its awards at international competitions can be listed for a very long time. It is not as well-known as Hennessy or Courvoisier, but true cognac connoisseurs respect this brand very much.
The history of Gautier in brief
In 1644, the Gautier family owned an oak grove, which was given as a wedding present to Charles Gautier and Jacquette Brochet (daughter of the famous winemaker). The Gauthier family was primarily engaged in the manufacture of barrels made of Tronset oak. It was no longer interesting to supply barrels to French cognac companies, so Charles and Jacquet decided to produce cognac themselves. This desire grew into the foundation of the Gautier cognac house. To learn how to make good cognac and present it to the whole of France, the couple had to work very hard.
In 1700, the management of the company passed to Charles Gautier's grandson Louis. Restless by nature, in 1775 Louis managed to obtain the right to produce and release his own cognac products - Royal Warrant, certified by Louis XV.
After Louis' death, his wife Marie Andre took over the company. Realizing that the cognac business is not a woman's business, in 1796 she handed over the management to her son. The house was renamed to Gautier Mère et Fils, and after the death of her mother - to Gautier Frères. Since then, only members of the Gautier family have inherited the Gautier company from generation to generation.
Types of Gautier cognac
Vzboltai recommends serving Gautier cognac at a temperature of +20°C.
Gautier VS
young cognac with a spicy flavor and hints of vanilla. Composed of 50 spirits aged 3-10 years.
Gautier XO
There are several versions of this cognac created for special occasions. This alcohol is composed of the oldest and most exclusive cognac spirits stored in the legendary Paradiz cellar for centuries. These cognacs show a perfect balance of strength, elegance, and aromatics.
Gautier VSOP
A blend of 80 spirits, the oldest of which is at least 25 years old. The flavor combines a sweet and delicate vanilla flavor with the rich sweetness of dried fruit.
Interesting facts about Gautier
The Gautier house can rightfully be considered one of the oldest producers of real cognac in France. This fact is evidenced by a document signed by King Louis XV himself, according to which Mr. Louis Gautier received the highest permission to produce cognac. The original of this manuscript has been carefully preserved for the tenth generation in the mansion of an ancient family of cognac producers.
Classic Gautier cognac is produced by double distillation using a special Charente method. Grapes for eaux de vie are grown in the four best regions of the Cognac province. Grapes from the central region of France, Grand Champagne, give the cognac the smell of flowering vines, while Petit Champagne gives the taste of berries, Saint-Bois gives the beautiful Gautier cognac the aroma of dried flowers, and Bordeaux adds delicate floral notes of wild violets to Gautier...
Gautier is proud of its unique cellars called Paradis.
Surprisingly, the arms of the Charente River, passing between Gautier's enterprises, have long been providing electricity used for the company's purposes.
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In the Register of Wine and Alcohol Trade of 1898, there is a record of 200 employees of the Gautier house.
Even before the First World War, carts with horses bearing the Gautier house emblem could be seen on European roads. The path of these carts lay in the vaults of Prague, Vienna and St. Petersburg.
Update: 14.10.2021
Category: Brandy and Cognac