Paul Giraud VSOP Cognac

8-year-old Paul Giraud Cognac VSOP: Precision and perfection

The Paul Giraud estate is well known for not only its premier cru eaux-de-vie, but equally its emphasis on traditional methods of production, from hand-picking the grapes to using traditional copper alembic stills for distillation.

The estate uses organic farming techniques, meaning there are no chemicals or pesticides in their eaux-de-vie, producing a purer, more authentic flavor profile and a distinctive depth of character. The Paul Giraud VSOP is a prime example of hard work paying off, a high quality VSOP with grapes grown in the Grande Champagne, and offering a sweet and smooth experience with every single sip.

The brand has won many an award as an independent winegrower, its estate is small, only 35 hectares, but mighty in terms of the intense flavors it produces. Not one to do things in half measures, much of the eaux-de-vie Paul Giraud has integrated into the blend is around 8 years old, which is double the legal minimum. These extra years lead to a maturity seldom found in a Cognac of this level.

During these 8 years, the VSOP is left in Limousin oak barrels in particularly humid cellars. Many Cognac connoisseurs agree that this sort of humidity can help intensify the flavors and aromas a Cognac can produce.

A predominantly sweet flavor profile means this is a very flexible VSOP, with aromas ranging from fresh grapes, caramel and candied apple with sweet and buttery notes on the palate. If you are looking for a rich Cognac with a complex flavor profile without wanting to splash out on an XO, this is the ideal purchase for those Cognac fans with a more refined palate.

On the nose, experience earthy and woody tones perfumed by warm baking spices and fresh grapes, upon the first sip you’ll be surprised by the smooth and creamy texture of this VSOP on the palate, offering sweeter notes of vanilla that give way to buttery caramel and honey in a light and elegant finish.

How to Enjoy

Created solely from eaux-de-vie from the premier cru, Grande Champagne, you can enjoy this traditionally produced delight in a number of ways. It’s delicious neat, perhaps in a balloon glass warmed gently in the hand in the time honored traditional manner.

However, it’s also exceptional within a cocktail (perhaps a Brandy Alexander or Sidecar), or with a mixer over ice (we like to mix it with fresh, unfiltered organic apple juice).

Presentation of the Bottle

The classic, artisanal design of this VSOP reflects the authenticity, tradition, and independence of the estate itself, with elegant brown, pink and orange tones that perfectly complement the golden amber hue of the Cognac itself.

The bottle equally comes with a wooden-colored cardboard case for display, gifting or storage purposes.