Bibendum adds boutique Cognac and Armagnac agencies to its portfolio

Bibendum has signed up four exclusive agencies from Cognac and Armagnac. The new arrivals into the UK wine merchant’s portfolio are Samalens Armagnac, Larressingle Armagnac, Cognac Pierre Ferrand and Landy Cognac and include the oldest vintage dated Cognac available on the commercial market

Nick Rodgers, Bibendum spirits manager, says: “The introduction of these premium after-dinner spirits allows Bibendum to offer our customers a range of digestifs that perfectly complements our wine range. As with all our wine agencies, we have brought these artisan producers on board as we believe they represent the very best in quality, as well as offering great value for money and an alternative to the big ubiquitous brands.”

Founded in 1883, Samalens Armagnac produces some of the highest quality Bas Armagnac and is situated in a small village of Laujuzan in the heart of the region. Samalens use both double pot and single continuous stills and make the base wine, giving it control over every aspect of production. Producing single distillery Armagnac, Samalens is the perfect blend of old and new. Bibendum will be importing a range of Armagnacs including vintage dated spirits, the oldest of which are from 1900 and 1888.

Larressingle Armagnac is based at the 13th Century Chateau de Larressingle where the Papeleroy family have been ageing and blending Armagnac since 1837. Located near Condom, Larressingle blend Armagnacs from both the Tenareze and Bas Armagnac regions. Bibendum will initially be importing five different Armagnacs.

Both the new Cognac brands, Pierre Ferrand and Landy, are produced by Cognac Ferrand, the 6th largest producer in the region. Pierre Ferrand is unusual amongst Cognac houses as it is made entirely from grapes grown on their own vineyards. Ferrand own 100ha of vineyards in Grande Champagne, the region’s ‘Premier Cru’ area. They make their own base wine and distil on the lees, to produce an outstanding Cognac destined for long ageing that typifies the rich, fine style from Grande Champagne.

The Landy Cognacs, which are already established in the US market, are a modern style of cognac packaged in distinctive bottles. Blended from the various Cognac regions, Landy offer a commercial price point while retaining premium quality – the VSOP recently was awarded a double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009.

Alexandre Gabriel, President of the Cognac Ferrand company commented: “At Cognac Ferrand, we are convinced that, with its unique approach and very professional team, Bibendum can do wonderful things with great spirits. We share similar values with Bibendum and are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

Bibendum will be importing nine Pierre Ferrand Cognacs including the 1914 Vintage which is the oldest vintage dated cognac available on the commercial market and was recently awarded 100 out of 100 by Gilbert & Gaillard Magazine.

The new agencies join Bibendum’s existing portfolio of boutique spirits that includes El Tesoro Tequila, Los Valientes Rum and Audry Cognac

February 2010