Jean Fillioux XO Grande Reserve Cognac

The oldest XO in the Jean Fillioux collection is muscular and perfumed. Aged 30 to 35 years, the nose of this amber-colored brandy has big aromas of rose, curry, cumin, cinnamon stick and tobacco. On the palate, it’s lively with swirling spice, pepper, citrus and cigar smoke, and serious, drying tannins on the lengthy finish. 94 Points  Jason Wilson, Vinous Media September 2019

Founded in 1880 by Honoré Fillioux, the company is now run by his great-grand-son Pascal J. Fillioux. The vineyards lie in the heart of the Grande Champagne in the "golden triangle": Verrières, Angeac-Champagne and Juillac-le-Coq. It is well known, this area yields the most delicate and finest Cognacs, and requires long oak barrel ageing to achieve maturity: the ageing is the key. Nothing will be done without Pascal's full control, from wines to labels and from soil to bottle. It's a one-man-show.

The House of Jean Fillioux belongs to a select group of traditional family estates who have successfully defended their upper quality niche over several decades by producing consistently authentic Cognacs that rest on century-old traditions, patience and love to become the masterpieces true connoisseurs appreciate. 

Exclusively from Ugni Blanc grapes harvested on the Fillioux estate (the estate only grows this single varietal grape). Once the grapes are harvested in late September or early October, they are immediately pressed into a grape must. The must enjoys a high acidity and is lacking in tannins, making it ideal for fermentation and distillation. After Fillioux has fermented the must into a wine, he distills the wine twice through a traditional, antique charentais-pot still.