The aroma wheel of cognac reflects all the flavours that may appear on the nose or during tasting. The aromatic palette will vary according to the age of the cognac.
The aroma wheel reflects the aromatic complexity of the cognac
Young cognacs tend to have floral or fruity aromas, which can be associated with the spring and summer seasons. Older cognacs, on the other hand, will be more marked by tannic and spicy notes, representing the winter season. Cognacs are the result of the work of the cellar master, who seeks out particular aromas during the blending process.
It's all a question of taste!
Cognac's aromas change as it ages
The aromas of cognac will evolve depending on its ageing , which always takes place in oak barrels. The cognac cellars, which are not isolated, follow the rhythm of the seasons.
This difference in temperature encourages exchanges with the oak, allowing the cognac to develop its full aromatic complexity. Each cognac therefore has its own unique personality, which is what makes this spirit so noble.
There are also several types of cellar: dry cellars and wet cellars. Dry cellars produce drier eaux-de-vie, while wet cellars make the eaux-de-vie more supple. We have wet cellars.
Over the years, the aromas of the different barrels are not at all the same. Eaux-de-vie from 2020 may have vanilla aromas, while older eaux-de-vie may have floral aromas. Aromas evolve constantly over time!
The toasting of the barrel also has a major impact on the aromas that develop. At Guillon Painturaud, we opt for medium-high toast. This avoids too much tannin and produces well-balanced cognacs.
The aromas present in our VSOP and XO Cognacs
Our VSOP
Guillon Painturaud VSOP is a blend of eaux-de-vie at least 4 years old. It is the fruitiest cognac in the range. On the nose, we already sense aromas of fruit and caramel. On the palate, this cognac is characterised by fruity and vanilla notes.
Our XO Old Reserve
The Old Reserve cognac is 10 years old. The first impression is of orange and citrus fruit, accompanied by spicy notes. On the palate, the product is very round, with lovely floral aromas that combine with hints of wood.
Our XO Hors d'Age
This cognac has been aged for many years in casks. The nose is candied, with notes of candied fruit and citrus. Wood and chocolate are also present. The palate is very supple, with lovely spicy and smoky notes. Long on the palate.
Our Renaissance Cognac
This is the oldest cognac in our range. The oak cask has had time to develop the product's complex aromas. The nose is very delicate, with vanilla, candied fruit and spicy aromas. On the palate, this very old cognac offers woody and candied fruit notes. Unrivalled length on the palate.
Whether you're a lover of young or old Cognac, or simply curious to discover all these aromas, come and visit us !
We'd be happy to talk about it in more detail, and especially to let you taste our products!
