Gourry de Chadeville V.S.O.P. 400 anniversaire 1er Cru de Cognac 35 cl 40%

In Segonzac, at the heart of Grande Champagne, the Gourry de Chadeville family has distilled cognac on the same land since 1619. Fifteen generations have passed, the old copper still is unchanged, and the distillation still follows the same rhythm it did four centuries ago.

Expert's Description

Gourry de Chadeville VSOP 400 Anniversaire 1er Cru de Cognac is a Cognac from Grande Champagne, bottled at 40%.

This edition marks the house's 400th anniversary and is made entirely from grapes grown on the estate's own Premier Cru terroir — a rarity in the cognac world, where most houses buy in grapes or distillate from multiple growers. Gourry de Chadeville is considered one of the oldest still-active cognac houses, with the family running the estate in Segonzac across 15 unbroken generations.

Distillation follows the traditional Charente method in two stages: first comes the "brouillis," an initial distillate at 28-32% alcohol. That is distilled a second time in a process called "la bonne chauffe," where the head and tail are cut away and only the heart — "le cœur" — is kept for further ageing in oak.

Once matured, the cognac is bottled at 40%, ready to be enjoyed as a classic VSOP with roots stretching back to the 1600s.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Vanilla and dried roses arrive first, followed by a sweetness reminiscent of apricot jam.

Palate

Round and soft, with walnut and a warm spiced note of cinnamon that drifts into a touch of liquorice.

Finish

Long and mellow, where the spice lingers longest and leaves a dry, nutty close.

Specifications

Name: Gourry de Chadeville VSOP 400 Anniversaire 1er Cru de Cognac
Distillery: Gourry de Chadeville
Country: France
Type: VSOP Cognac
ABV: 40%
Size: 35 CL
Serving suggestion: Best enjoyed in a cognac glass at room temperature, ideally to round off a meal.

Flavour Profile

Fruity · Spiced · Nutty · Round

Did You Know?

Gourry de Chadeville claims to be the oldest cognac house still distilling on its original land — 400 years on the same plot, with ownership never having left the family.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gourry de Chadeville VSOP 400 Anniversaire

What does "1er Cru de Cognac" mean on the label?

It means the cognac is made entirely from grapes grown in Grande Champagne, the most prized of cognac's six "cru" growing areas, cultivated on the house's own estate.

How is this different from a standard VSOP cognac?

Most VSOP cognacs are blended from grapes or distillate sourced from multiple growers. Gourry de Chadeville's version comes entirely from the family's own estate in Segonzac, giving it a more consistent, traceable profile.

How should Gourry de Chadeville VSOP be served?

Classically in a tulip-shaped cognac glass at room temperature, so the vanilla and dried-fruit aromas can open up. It also works well in a cocktail such as a Sidecar.

How old is the cognac in the bottle?

The VSOP designation requires a minimum of four years in oak, but houses like Gourry de Chadeville often let the distillate rest longer to reach the round, nutty character this bottle shows.

What makes Gourry de Chadeville a distinctive cognac house?

The family has distilled on the same land in Segonzac since 1619 and is considered one of the oldest still-active houses in Grande Champagne, without the estate ever changing hands.

Does Gourry de Chadeville VSOP work in cooking?

Yes, its round sweetness and nutty tones make it well suited to flambéing and sauces, where a good cognac needs to hold its own distinctly.