Bache-Gabrielsen Natur & Eleganse X.O. Cognac, France

Bache Gabrielsen Cognac XO Natur & Eleganse is a blend of eaux de vie produced without the traditional permitted additives, with Ugni Blanc grapes from the Fin Bois (60%) Grande Champagne (25%) and Petite Champagne (28%) crus (cru is French term for growth zones) of France. These crus are highly-prized for their chalky, rich soil which are ideal for the production of grapes used to make the cognac. Once the grapes from these crus are harvested, they are pressed and the remaining grape juice is fermented in stainless steel fermentation tanks. The resultant eaux de vie is then distilled twice through a traditional, alambic Charentais still. Bache-Gabrielsen’s Pure & Rustic range of cognacs is a collaborative project with Cellar Master Jean-Philippe Bergier. Produced in a modern, light, fresh style, its richly fruited notes are deeply reminiscent of rustic life in Cognac. Both blue and white labels are used for the Pure & Rustic range. The white labels are of a very limited edition, with all the bottles being numbered. “Such limited editions usually come from oak casks of rare cognacs that our Cellar Master, Jean-Philippe Bergier, has got his hands on through his many good contacts and long-standing working relationships” (Bache Gabrielsen). Elegant and complex, Natur & Eleganse is aged in Limousin oak casks for over 10 years. With layers of mellow fruit flavors complemented by light floral notes and a hint of vanilla and a dry finish, this special cognac won a Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2010. Pick up a bottle of this Fin Bois cognac today!