Claude Thorin Grande Champagne V.S.O.P. Cognac 700ml

Maison Thorin was founded in 1950 by André Thorin and is now run by his son, Claude, on the family's estate in Segonzac, at the heart of the Grande Champagne cru. The property has grown to around 106 hectares, and unlike many houses that buy in eaux-de-vie from outside growers, Thorin handles every stage on-site, from harvest and distillation to aging and bottling. The estate was also among the first in the region to earn High Environmental Value certification, reflecting a longstanding commitment to sustainable farming.

This V.S.O.P. is built entirely from Grande Champagne 1er Cru fruit, primarily Ugni Blanc along with some Folle Blanche, a variety nearly wiped out by phylloxera in the nineteenth century and still uncommon in the region today. The eaux-de-vie are distilled on the lees, then aged a minimum of four years, spending time first in Limousin oak before moving into red oak barrels to round out the aromatics, well beyond the legal minimum for the VSOP designation.

The color is a deep amber gold. On the nose, orange blossom and honeyed vanilla lead, joined by dried stone fruit and a touch of jasmine. The palate is round and velvety, layering raisin, toasted oak, and warm spice, with a long finish that closes on notes of coffee and undergrowth.