What are the cognac houses?
Cognac houses are companies dedicated to the production, distillation and marketing of cognac. Each house has its own production methods, often handed down from generation to generation. These Cognac houses are responsible for the entire production process, from harvesting the grapes to bottling the famous eau-de-vie. Cognac houses vary in size and prestige, some being world-famous, while others are small, family-run businesses. They all share the same love of terroir and a deep respect for traditional artisanal methods.Discover the great Cognac houses
1. Hennessy House
Founded in 1765, Maison Hennessy is one of the largest and most famous Cognac houses in the world. Located in the heart of Cognac, it offers guided tours of its historic cellars and production methods.
Hennessy stands out for its ability to marry tradition and innovation, remaining at the forefront of luxury cognac production while preserving its traditional know-how. During your visit, you can explore its century-old cellars and take part in exclusive tastings.
2. Martell House
Founded in 1715, Martell is the oldest of the great cognac houses. It is renowned for the finesse and elegance of its products, which have seduced cognac lovers for centuries. A visit to Martell is like stepping back in time, as you discover the secrets of distilling and blending eaux-de-vie.
Tours include a panoramic view from their cognac bar and an immersion in the cognac aging process. Martell is a must for all lovers of this prestigious eau-de-vie.
3. Maison Rémy Martin
Rémy Martin is an emblematic house founded in 1724 and specialized in the production of Fine Champagne cognac. This appellation guarantees that the cognac is produced exclusively from grapes grown in the finest regions of Grande and Petite Champagne.
Rémy Martin’s tours are both educational and immersive. You’ll discover the details of the creation process of an exceptional cognac, from vineyard to glass, while having the opportunity to taste different varieties of their flagship products.
Small cognac houses not to be missed
1. Frapin House
Maison Frapin is a family-run business, established in 1270 and located in the Grande Champagne region, the premier cru of cognac. It is renowned for producing highly complex cognacs, aged for long periods in their historic cellars.
A visit to Frapin will immerse you in the history of the region, and introduce you to fine cognacs made using traditional artisan methods.
2. Delamain House
Maison Delamain is one of the oldest cognac houses, founded in 1824. Unlike the big houses, Delamain focuses on craftsmanship and quality rather than quantity. It specializes in the production of XO (Extra Old) cognac, and offers intimate tours to better understand the aging process.
Lovers of refined cognac will appreciate the rich aromas of Delamain cognacs, which reflect all the subtlety of the Charente terroir.
What can you expect from a visit to a cognac house?
1. An immersion in history
On a visit to a cognac house, you’ll discover not only the process of making eau-de-vie, but also the rich and fascinating history of the Cognac region. Each house has its own heritage, and most have been family-run businesses for generations.
2. Exclusive tastings
Most tours include tastings of different cuvées of cognac, from the youngest to the oldest vintages. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the subtleties of aromas and flavors, and better understand what makes each house unique.
3. A discovery of terroirs
Terroir plays an essential role in the quality of cognac. By visiting one of our houses, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the vineyards that produce the grapes used to make this precious eau-de-vie. Some houses also offer guided tours of the vineyards.
Practical tips for visiting a cognac house
– It’s advisable to book your visit in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to guarantee a place on the guided tours.
– Some houses offer tours in several languages. Ask about the availability of tours in English, French or other languages.
– Tastings can include cognacs from different categories, from VS (Very Special) to XO (Extra Old). If you’d like to deepen your knowledge, some houses offer more comprehensive tasting workshops.
