Cognac “Grand Bray” – a product of the Tessandier family distillery from the Cognac region. Floral-fruity aroma and taste with hints of honey and orange blossoms are the features of the distillery’s drinks. And the current blending masters – Jerome and Lyon Tessandier, consider Grand Breuil the most traditional cognac of those that the distillery produces.
The Tessandier family motto is inscribed on the cognac label: “Post Tenebras Spero Lucem”, which translates from Latin as “After darkness, I hope for light.” The history of the origin of the motto goes back to the XNUMXth century, when the Comte de Poitou sold a quarter of his lands to his cousin, Viscount Mengo, and made him a lord, giving him a new name – Surger. And since each lord, along with the name and coat of arms, was also entitled to a motto, Guillaume de Poitou chose this one – the times were dark, and the light at the end of the tunnel seemed a tempting prospect.
Alexis Mengo became the first and last Surger, there was no one to continue the family – the Viscount and his wife Mri left behind three daughters. The youngest, Laetitia, married Pierre Tessandier and, along with her dowry, brought the motto to the family.
History of the family business
The son of Laetitia and Pierre – Gaston, began to study the winemaking craft in 1862, when he got the Buisson vineyards. And he got so carried away that he soon bought up all the vineyards in the area. Gaston Tessandier grew white grapes and made wine, and his son Claude, taking over from his father, began to study distillation and aging methods.
The founder of the cognac house Tessendier was the grandson of Gaston Tessandier Jean, who by that time had studied all the nuances of creating blends. It was under him that the family company became one of the leading suppliers of cognac spirits.
Tessendier aged distillates are purchased by Remy Martin and Courvoisier, Martell and Hennessy, and ordered years in advance by Otard and Camus.
Meanwhile, the fourth generation joins the management of the cognac house – the brothers Jerome and Lyon. They do not refuse to cooperate with well-known cognac houses, but the main goal is to produce their own drinks. Cognac Grand Breuil is their brainchild.
Characteristics of Grand Brandy cognac
Grand Breuil VS (40%). The blend of the dark amber drink uses cognac spirits from Grande, Petite Champagn and Borderies grapes, aged in oak barrels for at least six years. The aroma is expressive, floral-fruity, with notes of hyacinth and white grapes. The taste is soft, with hints of honey and orange blossoms and with a slight astringency of oak. In 2010, cognac received a silver award at the International Wine Competition in Los Angeles. Recommended by restaurateurs as a digestif.
Grand Breuil XO (40%). The drink of bright color of ripe chestnut is created from cognac distillates, which have been aged in oak barrels for at least a quarter of a century. The aroma is rich, floral-fruity, with notes of lychee, hyacinth, candied orange, ginger and vanilla. The taste is multifaceted, balanced, with fruit tones – blueberries, currants, raspberries, and a chocolate aftertaste. Recommended as a digestif. Serving temperature – +20 °С.
