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Tradition still counts in Cognac
The directors of Cognac Prunier believe that the classic house was
founded in 1701. Unfortunately they can only provide documented evidence of a foundation date of 1768 because a terrible fire destroyed most of their written records.
However, despite the fire, the French Revolution and three wars, the independent family-owned business, which likes to refer to itself as 'la Vieille Maison' (tr. the Old House), survived. During that time it has acquired its reputation by judicious production and expert blending. Today it can argue - with some justification - that its Prunier De Luxe is the finest of all the VS Cognacs. Its new bottle presentation is as refined and elegant as the contents themselves and it is available in quarter, half and full-size bottles.
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Cognac Prunier must be keen to expand its export market in Russia again, for it first
travelled to that country with Napoleon's army. Later, towards the end of the 19th century, Marcel Prunier developed Russian sales in Paris amongst the émigré
community, which had been attracted to the French capital by the Belle Epoque era. Marcel even sent his nephew, Roger Burnez, to Moscow to secure sales, but sadly he
died there in 1913 from pneumonia, apparently with a Cognac smile on his lips, for he had succeeded in acquiring the Csar's personal order.
During the last decade Cognac has lost some of its popularity and there are experts who identify this with the quality and character of the drink. The colour of some well
-known brands of Cognac is rather dark and there is a distinct aroma of caramel, which is used to make the spirit smoother, but with Prunier De Luxe those characteristics
are not evident. It has a fine vinous bouquet, is quite full-bodied, rather smooth and eminently sippable. It is a blend of Cognacs from la Petite Champagne and Fins Bois
sub-regions. Prunier explains that Cognacs from the Fin Bois tend to age quicker, hence the VS level has a 'certain maturity'. If you haven't tasted good Cognac for a
while its worth trying again. The full size bottle sells in Unwins for £16.99. It is also available in all the Youngs pubs in London and the Home Counties.
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Last updated on July 23, 2008