REGION: Cognac

Evolving from distillation equipment salesman to broker then independent bottler, Jean Grosperrin began aging and bottling exceptional Cognacs from underrepresented regions. His son, Guillem, expanded the business in 2004, and labels bear witness to these rare Cognacs’ crus and distillation dates.

The Estèves are independent producers in the Petite Champagne, respected throughout the region. Much of that esteem comes from their skill and approachability, but true reverence comes from their adherence to tradition and their marvelous collection of young, middle-aged, and pre-phylloxera Cognacs.

The Dudognon family has produced Cognac in the small town of Lignières-Sonneville in Grande Champagne since 1776. Using only grapes grown on the ten-hectare property and no additives, Maison Dudognon produces some of the finest Cognac in the region.

A blender’s-select range of Cognacs from Maison Hardy, Maison Rouge pays tribute to the family’s history of storing Cognac in a red-tiled barn in the Charentais town of Roumazières on the way to a “paradis”—known only to the family—where exceptional casks of eaux-de-vie were rumored to rest.

Jean-Luc Pasquet Cognac, now helmed by Jean and Amy Pasquet, organically grows 15 hectares of grapes on either side of the Grand and Petite Champagne border, creating approachable and delightful Cognacs and aperitifs with an eye toward transparency and sustainability.