Soft, refined cognac with a French name is produced in the Crimea, in the small village of Bagerovo, famous in Soviet times for its military airfield.
The air base has not been working for a long time, and the settlement is now known for a different reason – thanks to vintage drinks made from European grape varieties.
Cognacs have been produced at the factory for more than half a century, but the popular Jean-Jacques trademark appeared quite recently – in the 2000s.
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Brand History
The plant in the village of Bagerovo was opened in 1962. At the same time, vine seedlings from the French region of Champagne were planted on the adjacent territory.
In 1970, cognac blends were put into casks made of hundred-year-old oak wood for aging in order to produce the first samples of a new drink for Ukraine 5 years later. Cognac from Bagerovo quickly gained popularity due to its mild taste and excellent quality.
In the 80s, production technology was improved. In particular, multi-level cellars appeared at the enterprise, providing the optimal temperature and humidity for aging cognac spirits.
In 1999, the plant became part of Alef-Vinal LLC, which in 2004 began developing the Jean-Jacques brand.
In 2007, the new brand became cognac No. 1 in Ukraine. Today it is represented by drinks of different aging periods.
Production features
For the production of cognac in Bagerovo, not only European grape varieties are used, but also technologies:
Raw materials are grown on calcareous, chalk and clay-lime soils, which give drinks an amazing softness and bright taste.
For cognac Jean-Jacques use vintage harvests, harvesting grapes from old vines at the time of maximum ripeness of the fruit. The high level of fructose gives the bouquet roundness and delicacy.
The distillation of young wine is carried out in Charente-type apparatuses.
Alcohols are aged in old oak barrels, which reveal notes of flowers, fruits and spices in drinks. The minimum ripening period is 3 years, the maximum is not limited.
At each stage of production, laboratory analysis of products is carried out.
To purify water, a multi-level reverse osmosis technology is used, which keeps the liquid “alive”.
To improve product characteristics cognac blends are subjected to filtration and cold treatment. An obligatory stage is the post-bathing rest of cognacs.
Species overview
The Jean-Jacque brand line includes cognacs of 2 series (Classic and Gold) of different aging periods:
3 years
Classic
Honey-golden balanced drink with a predominance of grape, vanilla, pear tones and a sweet aftertaste.
Gold VS
Cognac pleasant copper-gold color with a harmonious bouquet with accents of flowers, herbs, vanilla, cream, wood, nuts.
The silky taste is dominated by tones of spices, honey, tobacco, tropical fruits.
4 years
France
The product is a soft golden color with hints of coffee, cinnamon and oak, with a long sweetish finish.
Gold VO
Sunny honey drink with hints of almond, saffron, ginger, juicy peach, fragrant pear, pleasant warm aftertaste.
5 years
Triumph
An amber drink with reflections of gold and a bright, juicy fruity bouquet.
The Eiffel Tower
A golden-amber drink produced in the original bottle in the form of the main symbol of France.
The velvety, expressive bouquet is dominated by shades of orange peel, vanilla and cream.
Reserve
Amber-gold cognac with peach, nutty, chocolate notes.
It has a delicate, refined taste and a long velvety finish.
Gold VSOP
Mature drink of mahogany shade.
Main notes: chocolate, cream, prunes, dried pear, nuts, oak.
The finish is long, delicate with tones of coffee and expensive tobacco.
Gold VSOP Red
An aged product with a bright dark brown hue with a velvety taste and a long spicy-nutty finish.
Main notes: blackcurrant, cocoa, prunes, hazelnuts, burnt wood, tobacco.
Gold VSOP Prestige
An exquisite drink of rich nutty color with a delicate oily taste and a sweetish spicy finish.
Main notes: tropical fruits, cloves, violet, thyme, rosemary.
In a separate category, Jean-Jacques Gold Honey is distinguished – an exclusive cognac with the addition of fresh honey from wild bees, bee bread and wax.
The best samples of the VSOP class collection are packed in stylish wooden tubes. It is recommended to combine brand drinks with desserts, coffee, cigars, chocolate.
Interesting Facts
Cognac got its name in honor of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a famous French thinker.
It is noteworthy that not only cognac produced at the factory in Bagerovo bears a European name, but the village itself.
Initially, the age of the brand’s cognacs was indicated only by “asterisks”, since 2012, European categories (VS, VSOP, etc.) appeared on the bottles.
Each bottle of vintage cognac “Jean-Jacques” is decorated with a special seal indicating the aging period.
The relief print not only allows you to know the age of the drink, but also serves as a guarantee of its authenticity.
In 2004, the Jean-Jacques brand became a laureate of the 100 Best Goods of Ukraine competition, and in 2006 and 2007 it took 3rd place in terms of sales.
In addition to cognac, Alef produces classic, malt and organic vodka (Helsinki, Solod, Green Day), kosher drinks (Kosher wine, Kogan cognac), wines (Golden Amphora, Villa Krim, Bukovina), champagne.
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Relevance: 15.07.2019
Tags: Brandy and Cognac, Brandy Brands