Renault Imperial XO Carte dArgent French Cognac 70 cl 40%

In the wider story of Cognac, the Russian imperial court played a surprisingly large role: from the nineteenth century onward, the Tsar's household imported large quantities of Cognac from the Charente, and several old houses began using the word Imperial as a mark of quality. Renault Imperial XO Carte d'Argent carries that same note of grandeur, a Cognac conceived as something beyond the house's standard XO.

Expert's Description

Renault Imperial XO Carte d'Argent French Cognac is an XO Imperial Cognac from the house of Renault, bottled at 40%.

The Imperial designation has historically been used by several major Cognac houses to mark a Cognac above the standard level, a legacy of the nineteenth century's substantial exports to the Russian imperial court and other European royal houses, where Cognac was a highly sought-after luxury. At Renault, Imperial XO Carte d'Argent is a further development of the house's classic Carte d'Argent style, carrying even more time and body.

The house of Renault was founded in 1835 by Jean-Antonin Renault in the town of Cognac and was known for breaking with tradition, both by bottling in glass and by exporting early to Scandinavia from 1855.

The result is an old Cognac with plenty of body and fullness, where the Imperial name signals the house's take on a grander version of the classic Carte d'Argent style.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Broad and rich, with honey-roasted almond, old leather binding and a sweet, ripe fruitiness.

Palate

Full and silky, with caramelised sugar, dried raisins and a warm spiciness that spreads slowly.

Finish

Long and round, with a final trace of honey and toasted oak.

Specifications

Name: Renault Imperial XO Carte d'Argent French Cognac
Distillery: Renault
Country: France
Type: French XO Imperial Cognac
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Serving suggestion: Best enjoyed in a tulip-shaped Cognac glass at room temperature, as a quiet close to the evening.

Flavour Profile

Honey-Roasted Almond · Dried Raisins · Caramel · Toasted Oak

Did You Know?

Did you know several old Cognac houses have historically used the term Imperial as a nod to the nineteenth century's substantial Cognac exports to the Russian imperial court and other European royal houses, where the term signalled a Cognac of particular standing?

Frequently Asked Questions About Renault Imperial XO Carte d'Argent French Cognac

What does Renault Imperial XO Carte d'Argent taste like?

Expect a rich nose of honey-roasted almond and ripe fruit, a full, silky palate of caramel and dried raisins, and a long finish of honey and toasted oak.

Is this Cognac worth it?

Yes — the Imperial designation has historically signalled a Cognac above the house's standard level, and with Renault's roots stretching back to 1835 and the fullness that long cask ageing provides, this is a strong representative of the house's finest XO style.

What does Imperial mean for a Cognac?

Imperial is a term several old Cognac houses have historically used to mark a Cognac above the standard level, rooted in the nineteenth century's substantial exports to the Russian imperial court and other European royal houses.

How does it differ from the standard Carte d'Argent?

Imperial XO Carte d'Argent is a further development of the house's classic Carte d'Argent style, conceived as a grander version with even more body.

How should the bottle be stored?

Upright, cool and dark, away from temperature swings, so the Cognac stays fresh for many years.

Does it make a good gift?

Yes, the name, the history and the fullness make it a fitting gift for a Cognac lover who appreciates the house's finest bottlings.

How is this Cognac best served?

In a tulip-shaped glass at room temperature, ideally as a quiet close to the evening, giving the aroma time to unfold.