New limited-edition Californian brandies from Germain-Robin

Californian brandy maker Germain-Robin has unveiled two limited-edition releases following its takeover by Gallo. 

Flagship expression Germain-Robin and Germain-Robin XO have been released in limited runs of 1,400 and 900 bottles respectively and will be on sale from March. The new releases also come with redesigned packaging: each bottle is stamped with the brand's distinctive redwood tree icon.

The Germain-Robin, retailing at $75 (£58), is a new expression based on Californian colombard grapes, while the Germain-Robin XO ($125/£96) uses pinot noir grapes. Both are distilled in Pruhlo Charentais pot stills and aged in air-dried Limousin oak barrels.

Hubert Germain-Robin, co-founder of Germain-Robin, and Gallo's master distiller David Warter worked together on the releases. Warter said: "Learning from Hubert, a master distiller and blender who changed the way brandy is perceived around the world and whose family history with brandy dates back centuries, was exceptional."

Gallo has appointed Eric Entrikin as master sommelier and spirits brand ambassador for Germain-Robin. He is the only master sommelier to work exclusively for a spirits brand, making his appointment an exciting development for Gallo and the Californian brandy category. 

Entrikin said: "Germain-Robin has always been special to me as it was the first American brandy ever placed on the top shelf alongside the best cognac."

27 February 2020 - Bethany Whymark