To mark its 180th anniversary this year, Cognac Renault has launched a limited edition of its flagship blend, Carte Noir Extra Old. This cognac has been aged in 40 year-old barrels for an extra 180 days ‒ one day more for each of the house’s 180 years. Only 5,000 bottles have been produced.
The limited edition is the first time there has been a modification to the blend, which was created by Jean-Antonin Renault, founder of the company. The ‘recipe’ for Carte Noir Extra Old has remained unchanged since 1876 and is Renault’s emblematic blend of more than 50 carefully selected eaux-de-vie. It is one of the earliest cognacs to have been trade-marked and still marketed today.
“We didn’t want to produce a new blend”, says Renault’s master blender, David Croizet. “Our aim was to intensify and add an extra dimension to the Carte Noir Extra Old to mark this milestone in our history. Ageing the blend for an extra 180 days, using barrels that are at least 40 years-old, has brought more intensity to the nose and more length and fullness to the palate. The characteristic fruit and spice notes of Carte Noir Extra Old and the hallmark softness have been amplified. ”
In his tasting notes, David Croizet notes the cognac’s intense amber gold colour and complex nose of liquorice, hazelnut, marmalade, baked apples, topped off with toasty notes of dried fruit and chocolate. The palate is full and silky with subtle oak and cinnamon flavours.
Commenting on the launch, Cognac Renault’s new managing director, Jérôme Durand, says: “I think afficionados of Carte Noir Extra Old and those who are discovering it for the first time will be really won over by this limited edition. It shows what subtlety and finesse in cognac making can achieve ‒ and that is what Renault is all about. This is a superb cognac for us to introduce to traditional and new markets ”
Carte Noire Extra Old Limited Edition has an RRP of €99.00.
3 December 2015 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor
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