Delamain Cognac is made in the picturesque town of Jarnac, located in the heart of the Grande Champagne region in France. This region is renowned for producing the finest quality Cognacs, thanks to its chalky soil, optimal climate, and perfect grape-growing conditions.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of visiting Jarnac and exploring the Delamain distillery. The town itself is charming, with its narrow winding streets and beautiful stone buildings. The distillery is nestled in the heart of the town, reflecting the rich history and tradition that Delamain embodies.
One of the unique aspects of Delamain is their exclusive focus on producing XO (Extra Old) and above Cognacs. This means that they only use the finest, oldest eaux-de-vie (the base spirit used for Cognac) in their blends. This commitment to quality and aging sets Delamain apart from other Cognac producers.
During my visit to the distillery, I had the opportunity to witness the meticulous process of Cognac production. It starts with the careful selection of grapes from the surrounding vineyards. These grapes, primarily Ugni Blanc, are harvested and pressed to extract the juice. Fermentation takes place, and the resulting wine is then distilled in traditional copper stills.
The distillate, known as eau-de-vie, is then aged in French oak barrels, which impart complexity and flavor to the spirit. Delamain takes great care in selecting the barrels used for aging, ensuring that they enhance the character of the Cognac. The aging process can take several years, with the eau-de-vie slowly maturing and developing rich aromas and flavors.
Once the Cognac has reached its desired age, it is meticulously blended by the Master Blender at Delamain. This is an art form in itself, as the blender must carefully select and combine different eaux-de-vie to create a harmonious and balanced final product. Each blend is unique and reflects the expertise and craftsmanship of the Delamain team.
The final step is bottling and packaging the Cognac. Delamain takes great pride in their elegant and understated presentation, allowing the quality of the Cognac to speak for itself. The bottles are adorned with a simple label, featuring the Delamain name and signature, showcasing the timeless beauty of the product inside.
Delamain Cognac is made in the historic town of Jarnac, located in the Grande Champagne region of France. The House's exclusive focus on XO and above Cognacs, along with their commitment to quality and aging, ensures that every bottle of Delamain Cognac is a true masterpiece.