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French cognac Renault (Renault) is created according to one of the oldest recipes known in the industry. The first batch of the drink was released in 1876, and since then the technology for its manufacture has not changed. In terms of sales, the cognac house is one of the ten leading companies in the industry, selling about 3,2 million bottles per year. The brand belongs to the Finnish corporation Altia.
Historical information
Renault winery in the city of Cognac was founded in 1835 by a young master Jean Antonin Renault. The entrepreneur became famous for being the first to bottle a drink for sale in glass bottles instead of barrels. This approach paid off – Renault managed to sell much more products in a small container, and soon the brand became well known in Northern Europe, America and Asia. The winemaker traveled extensively advertising and promoting his brand.
In the early 90s, the Renault cognac house merged with Bisquit. The firm was founded in 1819 by Alexander Biscuit. This period was favorable for the development of business ties – after the fall of Napoleon, all restrictions on international trade were lifted, so the winemaker was able to quickly establish the sale of his products outside the country. Both companies were part of the French holding Pernod Ricard for a long time, but in 2010 the rights to the Renault trademark were bought by the state-owned Finnish corporation Altia.
Production features
Renault-Bisquit is the only cognac company in France with production and sales office located in the same place. The company owns 341 hectares of land near the town of Royan in Charente. There is a distillation shop, a cooperage, a bottle factory and an administrative building. Own vineyards in Château de Lignier meet the needs of the company by 18%. Plantings are located at an altitude of more than 150 m above sea level, so the vine does not suffer from late frosts.
In the distillation shops, 64 distillation stills work continuously during the season. The plant is so large in area that the craftsmen move around it on bicycles. Processing continues for five months after harvest, with no breaks even for the Christmas holidays. Young spirits are poured into barrels. Two-thirds of the containers are made from Tronsey oak, the rest from Limousin.
The distillate for Renault cognacs is first poured into new barrels. Fresh wood gives the drink its color and helps develop the aroma. Six months later, spirits are placed in old containers, where, during the aging process, the drink acquires a deep and multifaceted taste. Mixing is the most critical step. Master blender David Croizet has at his disposal older distillates that Bisquit has carefully preserved since its inception.
Interesting Facts
- The company has its own cooperage, each craftsman produces three barrels a day. Glue is not used for assembly – the parts are fastened with rivets, which are dried for five years for strength.
- In 2015, for its 180th anniversary, the company released a limited edition Renault Carte Noire Extra Old with forty years of age. In honor of the anniversary date, the batch underwent an additional exposure of 180 days, which enhanced the fruity and spicy notes of the drink, and also gave it additional softness.
Types of cognac Reno
Renault Bleu Nuit VS, 40%
Aged for at least 2,5 years in Limousin oak barrels. The drink is golden in color with amber reflections. The fragrance starts with rich woody notes, to which candied fruits are added. The rounded taste reveals notes of apricot, vanilla, tinted with oak nuances.
Renault Carte Noire VSOP, 40%
The most famous cognac of the brand is made by mixing about fifty carefully selected components. Color – copper with golden highlights. The aroma mixes the smells of toasted bread, baked apples, cinnamon and vanilla. The taste is rich with hints of dried plums, fruit marmalade, dried apricots and spices. The finish is long and silky.
Renault Carte Noire Extra Old, 40%
Cognac is created from vintage spirits with a long exposure time. The drink is dark amber in color with moire golden reflections. The harmonious aroma is saturated with floral, fruity and chocolate tones. On the palate, prunes, raisins and vanilla come to the fore, which are replaced by hints of wood and spices. Honey notes are felt in the aftertaste.
