Camus Cognac Tasting
A true Cognac tasting. The first of its kind, at least that I’ve seen, since living in Atlanta. There was an event some years ago by the French American Chamber of Commerce where there were samples of Cognac for people to try. But in a class format where a presenter talked about the history, the producer, the appellations, and different styles of Cognac…this was a unique experience for this area.
Maison CAMUS, one of the oldest producers in the Cognac region (fondée 1863), was the house or the maison that we explored at this tasting hosted by Ethan of Tower Tasting Room in Atlanta. The line-up included all exquisite, high quality Cognacs…
Camus VS: this stands for ‘Very Special’ and is young and fruit forward. VS Cognacs are aged at least 2 years
Camus VSOP: meaning ‘Very Special Old Pale’ and is aged longer (at least 4 years in barrels)
Camus Borderies VSOP: grapes are exclusively from the Borderies appellation or sub-region of the Cognac region
Camus XO Elegance: meaning ‘Extra Old’ (aged for a minimum of 6 years, but usually much older) and has more body. Note: as of April 2016, the minimum age for any XO Cognacs will change to 10 years.
Camus Borderies XO: ‘Extra Old’ and exclusively from the Borderies appellation
Camus Extra Elegance: Extra Elegance is an exceptional blend of eaux-de-vie primarily from the Borderies, Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus.
Speaking of which, The Cognac region includes six vineyard growth areas, called Crus and they are: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois, and Bois Ordinaires. The Petite and Grande Champagne regions in Cognac should not be confused with the famous Champagne (sparkling wine) region of northern France. The word Champagne derives from the French term meaning ‘chalky soil’.
My friends’ and my favorite was the Borderies. Apparently, the Borderies cru is not just the smallest appellation in the Cognac region, but is the most sought-after of all the Cognac AOC growth areas. So elegant and smooth and… it was one of the least expensive, around $49 for the Borderies VSOP. Great price for a Cognac so fantastic!
