Wine information:
The Ragnaud-Sabourin family owns one of the most prestigious private estates in Grande Champagne and certainly have a grand history. The estate was established in 1850 by Gaston Briand, one of the first in the region to push for an establishment of recognised crus. In 1941 a split took place in the Ragnaud family, and one brother, Raymond Ragnaud, set off on his own. The other brother, Marcel Ragnaud, went on to develop Ragnaud-Sabourin and establish the house as one of the finest in Cognac. Today the Domaine La Voûte is run by three descendants, from grandmother to granddaughter: Denise, Annie and Patricia Ragnaud-Sabourin. Together they oversee the vines, which stretch across the chalky slopes of Ambleville in the heart of Cognac’s premier cru region, Grande Champagne. They are also wholly responsible for all aspects of production and ageing, always determined to produce limited quantities of the highest quality.All their cognacs are matured as vintages; there is no blending between years, no sweetening and no colouring. The name of each in the Alliance range illustrates the minimum age of the cognac contained in the bottle. VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) designates a blend in which youngest brandy must be aged for at least four years in cask. However, in this case, VSOP Alliance No.10 signifies a blend of cognacs at least 10 years old. Golden yellow colour it has a subtle nose with hints of orange blossom, vanilla and oaky spice. On the palate there is an initial touch of tannic spice, followed by mellower notes with some honeyed oak and dried fruit. Quite lengthy finish with a little kick of spirit.