Distiller Notes
Navarre's Vielle Reserve release is close to 50 years old. The humid environment of the estate naturally reduces the cognac to 90 proof during its three to five decade-long maturation. Though Navarre also produces a series of Pineau des Charentes, this is Navarre's only Cognac release to the United States, released in limited quantity due to its meticulous production. A standout, rustic bottling from one of the last remaining purists in the Cognac industry.
Proof: 90
Widely regarded as the finest and most complex grape-based spirit in the world, Cognac follows rigorously strict production guidelines. It is made exclusively of wine—most commonly from Ugni Blanc—from the Charente and Charente-Maritime regions surrounding the town of Cognac in southwestern France. After a second distillation in antique copper pot stills (called charentais), the spirit is transferred to French oak barrels and aged a minimum of two years (VS). Cognac is classified by both age and region (Cru). The Grande Champagne Cru and Petite Champagne Cru, both having shallow limestone soils, are the most respected.