French brandy St-Rémy has created a limited edition Grand Blend, combining five small-batch eaux-de-vie selected by master blender Cécile Roudaut.
Each eaux-de-vie used in the Grand Blend is said to tell its own story, combining different regions, grape varieties, distillation methods and ageing processes.
Lot No 1, ‘Abundant’, unites diverse varietals across the French vineyards, while Lot No 2, ‘Delicate’, showcases sweetness with Loire Valley Chenin.
Lot No 3, ‘Powerful’, offers fruity notes of Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Baco Blanc grapes. Described as ‘rich and lively’, Lot No 4, ‘Exuberant’, is made of Colombard from distinct French terroirs.
The final Lot No 5, ‘Incandescent’, combines Gascon Ugni Blanc and Baco Blanc grape varieties.
Roudaut said: “We are excited to launch this unique Grand Blend, a first in the history of brandy. Each lot has been carefully selected to compose a unique product in the spirit of showcasing St-Rémy’s expertise in the making of top-end brandies.”
The final blend includes around 25% pot still distillation, giving the brandy its ‘rich and complex character’.
Bottled at 43% ABV, the brandy is non-chill-filtered and free from added colouring.
St-Rémy Grand Blend offers aromas of prune and candied fruits and a ‘bold, gourmet’ flavour.
The first edition is limited to 8,624 bottles, 60 of which will be available in the UK with a suggested retail price of £49 (US$64).
Last year, St-Rémy concluded its Cask Finish collection with an expression finished in Château du Breuil Calvados casks. The brandy also partnered in 2023 with artist Lucas Beaufort for a limited edition bottle for its XO.
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Author: Miona Madsen