As we start the second week of our Cognac-Expert Advent Calendar, the eighth dram is a Tesseron Extra Légende Cognac. Maison Abel Tesseron, founded in 1905, has a rich history of crafting exceptional cognacs. Abel Tesseron established the house with the vision of preserving eaux-de-vie in a 12th-century crypt, leveraging estates in Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. Joined by his son Guy in 1940, the family earned renown for their expertise in ageing cognacs, further solidified by Guy’s acquisition of Château Pontet-Canet in 1975. For nearly a century, Tesseron Cognac remained a hidden gem until Alfred and Gérard Tesseron, the third generation, launched the brand’s first XO cognacs in 2000. Today Noé Tesseron, representing the fourth generation, brings a modern perspective to the family’s legacy. The Tesseron cellars, originally part of a 12th-century church crypt, house inside what’s called ‘The Paradis’ (Heaven) the oldest and most treasured eaux-de-vie of the maison, some dating back to Abel Tesseron’s private collection. This invaluable collection, among the largest of aged cognacs, is stored in glass demijohns under ideal conditions to perfect their ageing. Beyond its historical significance, this exceptional reserve serves as a vital resource for creating Tesseron’s most prestigious cognacs. Nowadays, the Maison Terreron exploits about 25 ha of vines in Grande Champagne, and 15 ha in Petite Champagne.
Tesseron Extra Légende Cognac Review
Tesseron Extra Légende is a Grande Champagne Cognac aged over 30 years, though specific age details are not disclosed. This blend comprises more than 50 eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne region, crafted from Ugni Blanc and Folle Blanche grapes. It is aged in casks sourced from various cooperages, featuring wide-grain oak with a strong toast, and matured in cellars with varying humidity levels. Bottled at 40% ABV, it is priced at approximately €300.
Colour:
Tawny with an amber hue.
Nose:
Neat: Subtle notes of apricots, caramel, cooked apples, and pears, with hints of fennel and oranges. The nose is shy but fresh.
Palate:
Neat: The palate opens with sweet and fruity flavours, followed by a touch of spice, bitterness, and sourness. Notes of apricots, peaches, and clementines are complemented by hints of chocolate, wood spices, leather, toffee, and espresso. Unfortunately, the mouthfeel is slightly thin, likely due to the reduction to 40% ABV.
Finish:
Lingering notes of wood, leather, toffee, and sweetened orchard fruits. The finish is of medium length.
Comments:
Whilst the nose is somewhat subdued, the palate of this Tesseron Extra Légende Cognac is flavourful and well balanced, offering a mix of fruity and empyreumatic notes. However, it leans a bit too sweet for my preference. A higher ABV would have improved the mouthfeel, which feels slightly thin. Overall, a good cognac, though on the expensive side once again.
