If you are a cognac connoisseur, or even just beginning to dabble with the wonderful spirit, you should know the name Château Montifaud. The Vallet family has made cognac production their art. Discover the history, finesse, and quality their brand has to offer.
The Château has been managed by the Vallet family since 1866, that’s 6 generations and over 150 years of experience. They carry on the values and traditions inherited from the past while putting innovation at the service of quality. Laurent has spearheaded innovation at the Château all while honoring the traditions passed down to him by his father.
“Artisan winemakers in the soul, we have it at heart to combine the past with the present moment, all the while looking toward the future” share Laurent and Elodie, representing the 6th generation of Vallet leadership.
Their mission is to enhance their terroirs and develop Haute-Couture Spirits. The Château Montifaud vineyard spans nearly 150 hectares (370 acres) on some of the finest Crus in the Cognac region, Petite and Grand Champagne. These two famous crus are known for their chalky soil and active limestone which create ideal conditions to grow and ripen the high-quality grapes that go into their exquisite cognacs. The Château currently grows Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanc, Colombard, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
To obtain a floral eau-de-vie (spirit) that honors and represents the Grand and Petit Champagne Crus, harvesting healthy fruit is vital. The Château works daily on the carefully thought-out management of their vineyard. They honor traditional techniques passed down through generations while combining them with new technology, for example, their team hand harvests their youngest vines and mechanically harvest the rest. Harvest in Petit and Grand Champagne happens in late September or early October, so make sure to check their social media pages, @chateaumontifaud, for updates
When it comes to aging their spirit, the Vallet family leans toward floral and fruity characters. To highlight these flavors, they avoid excessive wood contact and use limousine oak barrels, a very popular type of wood used to mature distillates because it allows for a clear color and endless expression in the spirit it is holding. Cognacs of the same vintage year are stocked according to very strict regulations set and verified by the Bureau National Interprofessional du Cognac (BNIC). Château Montifaud holds official vintages aging back to 1970, all sealed under strict BNIC verification.
The Château Montifaud portfolio includes an array of premium cognacs and even some pineau aperitifs. Their L50 known as “The Jewel” is an aged copper colored cognac with aromas of walnut and spicy notes with a an exceptionally long finish on the palate. The bottle is special because it is hand-blown and has elegant bubbles within the glass. This treasured blend includes some of the first cognac distilled by Louis Vallet (4th Generation) and reflects the bountiful knowledge the Vallet family has curated over generations.
Not surprisingly, their VSOP Cognac from Petite Champagne is the best seller. With perfect balance and structure, you’ll be met with floral notes, pear and apricot on the palate, a round body and a mellow finish. This VSOP can stand alone or be added to a cocktail for a delicious kick.
Not surprisingly, their VSOP Cognac from Petite Champagne is the best seller. With perfect balance and structure, you’ll be met with floral notes, pear and apricot on the palate, a round body and a mellow finish. This VSOP can stand alone or be added to a cocktail for a delicious kick.
Taking a sip of the XO Cognac will transport you to France. The BNIC requires XO cognacs be aged for six years; the Vallets purposefully age their XO for longer than the regulation requires. Extended aging leads to a gorgeous chestnut color, amazing aromas, complex nuances of dried flowers and dried fruits, with hints of nuts and spices. This cognac received a prestigious Double Gold medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Some ways to enjoy a Château Montifaud cognac are neat, on the rocks, with a splash of soda or in a cocktail. Learn more about the Vallet family and their passion for cognac at www.chateaumontifaud.com/en/accueil.html.