The 17th cognac in our Cognac-Expert Advent Calendar is a 30-year-old Normandin Mercier XO Grande Champagne Cognac. In the village of Dompierre-sur-Mer, near La Rochelle, lies the Normandin-Mercier estate, a family-run Cognac house founded in 1872 by Jules Normandin. Now led by his great-great-grandson, Edouard Normandin, the estate has remained in the family for five generations. The property itself is steeped in history, with the 17th-century Château La Péraudière originally serving as one of François Ist’s hunting lodges. The cellars, added later, became central to the Cognac house’s operations, where eaux-de-vie are still aged and blended today. Distillation was carried out on-site until the interwar period, and the cellars continue to hold the family’s centuries-old expertise.
The Normandin-Mercier name reflects the partnership of Jules Normandin and his wife, Justine Mercier, whose family name was added to the brand, as it was created with its financial help. The house focuses on ageing carefully selected eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, with every stage of production taking place on the estate. The location, in the Bois Ordinaire region near the Atlantic coast, lends a unique character to their cognacs, influenced by the mild coastal climate.
Normandin-Mercier maintains a commitment to simplicity and authenticity, reflected in their elegant, understated bottles and decanters that highlight the spirit within. The Château’s grounds are home to ancient oak forests, and casks made from this wood are used to age their signature Cognac, La Péraudière. The estate welcomes visitors to experience its history, explore the cellars, and discover the sensory richness of a Cognac house that has preserved tradition for over 150 years.
Normandin Mercier XO Grande Champagne Cognac Review
The Normandin Mercier XO Grande Champagne Cognac is made from Ugni Blanc grapes that have grown exclusively in the Grande Champagne cru. Distilled with the lees in a 90 hectolitres still, it was then matured for 30 years in fine grain and medium-strong toast oak casks from Vicard, Doreau and Lys. Bottled at 40% without any additives, expect to pay around €130 for a bottle.
Colour:
Amber with mahogany hue.
Nose:
Neat: Bright citrus notes of lemon, orange, and mandarin lead the way, followed by hints of almonds and hazelnuts. Layers of dried apricots, honey, vanilla, and a touch of custard-filled gâteau Basque.
Palate:
Neat: A beautiful rancio and oak foundation, complemented by empyreumatic notes of roasted sunflower seeds and pine nuts, brown sugar, and buttery pastry. Menthol cigarettes emerge alongside soft, warming spices like cinnamon, a hint of ginger, and pepper. The wood returns with refined cedar and sandalwood. While the mouthfeel leans slightly thin, it remains good enough.
Finish:
Finish: Subtle pepper and polished wood mingle with sweet raisins, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon. Medium in length.
Comments:
This Normandin Mercier XO Grande Champagne Cognac is enjoyable and full of flavour, but it falls just short of being truly exceptional. A touch more texture and a bit less sweetness might have elevated it further.
