with correspondents in Japan, Russia, USA, Sweden; edited by M.Andrew, FIJEV

May 2001 edition of La Revue du Vin de France carried an extensive coverage of Cognac including tasting results. An article written by Martine Nouet appeared in parts to be ghost written by BNIC - "increase sales of Cognac in France" for example. BNIC statistics show for the month of April 2001, a decline of 2% in one set of numbers and in another of 7.9%, for example. Only one version of BNIC numbers shows increase of 2.1%. Since 2 out of 3 numbers quoted by BNIC show decline and most of producers surveyed confirm it, we have concluded that the French market is in negative territory when it comes to buying Cognac.

On page 80 in the RVF issue there is a paragraph which so far best defines current Cognac problems: "Dilution excessive, "maquillage" par additifs (sucre, rancio, boisé, coloration au caramel)....". We agree with Martine Nouet on this score. Single Distillery Cognacs is a trend that has not worked for Cognac producers, especially in France. It supposed to be an answer to Scotch Whisky dominance of the French market. Click here to see the latest from Auchan, one of the largest supermarkets in France and around the world. Not a single Cognac is mentioned in this latest promotion from Auchan. While we believe in the single cru products niche market, single distillery and Cognac Cigar products are history.

RVF tasting gave Martell VS, Rémy Martin VSOP, Les Antiquaires du Cognac Bons Bois, Gautier XO Gold & Blue, Louis Royer 23 ans Grande Champagne a 3* rating out of maximum 5*. Courvoisier Napoleon, Paul Beau Très Vieille Grande Champagne, Ragnaud-Sabourin Alliance No. 35, Jean Fillioux Très Vieux Grande Champagne got 4* rating. 4½* rating was given to Léopold Gourmel Age de Epices and to J. Michelet Très Vieux Grande Champagne. Dudognon Heritage Or and Jean Fillioux No.1 Grande Champagne achieved 5* of which the latter was declared overall winner - Coup de Coeur.

Some of the producers who have submitted their products to RVF for tasting 2-3 years ago have complained to Torula News about storage facilities (an old copy machine room with fluorescent light) and not being asked for new samples. They, of course, did not make too well in this tasting. At the same time, the old habits of submitting 70/75 cl bottles for tasting where packaging is excluded from consideration should, may be, be replaced by submitting 20 cl tasting samples.

As we noted before, there are other photos than old BNIC archives to illustrate an article on Cognac.

10 June 2001