2. Aged over the river…
Since 1755
The Maison Gautier, established in 1755, is one of the oldest
cognac houses. The cellars are built on the foundations of a former
watermill.
This very specific humid environment associated to the art of the
Master Blender give Gautier Cognacs their unique flavour and
smoothness.
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3. SUMMARY
I. Maison Gautier
1. Gautier’s history
2. A unique place for ageing
« Aged over the river since
1755 »
3. A unique quality and know-
how
II. Gautier Cognacs
1. Brand positioning
2. Gautier’s range
3. Marketing tools
Appendix
International awards
Quality certifications
3
5. 1. Gautier’s history
• The history of Maison Gautier dates back several
centuries to a little village called Aigre, situated on
the Osme river in the Charente.
• In the 17th century, the Gautier family produced
barrels in wood taken from the Tronçais forest,
renowned for the quality of its oaks .
• In 1644, Charles Gautier married Jacquette Brochet, a
wine growers’ daughter .
• In 1700, their grandson, Louis Gautier, built up the
cognac business successfully with the result that in 1755
the family was awarded the Royal Right of production
and the articles founding the firm were signed by the
king, Louis XV.
• That was how Maison Gautier came into being with the
installation of the cellars in the old water mill in Aigre. 5
6. 1. Gautier’s history
• Aigre, situated to the north of Cognac on the road to
Paris, advantageous position for trade and for a long
time was the main line of communication in the
Charente.
• In 1804, six merchants came to settle in Cognac and
four in Aigre, including Gautier. Over the years, the
latter were taken over by Maison Gautier.
• Up until 1875, when the phylloxera wiped out the
vast majority of the vineyards, Aigre was the centre
of the cognac producing region.
• After the phylloxera, the traditional grape varieties
were gradually replaced by the Ugni Blanc, a more
resistant variety 90% of which is today used for the
production of cognac. The heart of the Cognac
vineyards thus shifted towards the town of Cognac.
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7. 1. Gautier’s history
• The family business of Maison Gautier was developed by the
successive heirs over 10 generations.
• Cognac Gautier continued to expand its export business,
penetrating new markets overseas and was served in prestigious
settings as the Ritz Hotel or on board the English cruise ships of
the famous Cunard Line. In 1911, Gautier Cognac also figured
on the menu for the investiture of the Prince of Wales.
• In 1975, Gautier joined the Berger Group
and then, in 1995, the Marie Brizard & Roger
International Group that was taken over in
2006 by the Belvédère Group.
• Currently exported to over 92 countries,
Maison Gautier has kept all its drive and
innovative mindset.
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8. 2. A unique place for ageing
Aged over the river … since 1755
Maison Gautier: a former watermill
• The cellars of Maison Gautier are located
in an old 18th century watermill situated in
the centre of a little island in the Orme, a
tributary of the Charente river. This
exceptional position originated in the use
of the driving force of the running water for
productive purposes.
• Today, the humidity from the site over the water is above all an undeniable advantage
for the successful ageing of Cognac.
Humid conditions for optimal ageing
• By its influence on evaporation, the level of natural humidity and the temperate cellars in
which the barrels are stored are two of the major factors involved in the maturing process.
• This perfect balance which reigns in the Gautier cellars just above the water enables the
Cognacs to age harmoniously to develop into a mellow, remarkably soft and naturally
complex. 8
9. 3. A unique quality and know-how
The Cellar Master
Guardian of the secrets
of Gautier Cognacs
•Since 1909, the region has been divided into six « growths »: Grande and Petite
Champagne, Borderies, Fins bois, Bons Bois and Bois Ordinaires. Each of these
regions benefits from unique geographic and climatic conditions and produces
intrinsically specific types of Cognac.
• Isabelle Couprie, Cellar Master of Maison Gautier, uses eaux-de-vie from all of the
regions, with the exception of the Bois Ordinaires, to obtain the very best aromas
from each one which, once combined, will provide truly harmonious blends and a
regular quality for each type of Cognac.
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10. 3. A unique quality and how-know
The Chai Paradis
• Certain very old eaux-de-vie, including the oldest
dating from 1840, are kept in a very special cellar
of Maison Gautier known as the Paradise Cellar.
• Once they have reached their optimal maturity,
the Cellar Master decides to halt their ageing and
transfers them first into very old oak casks and
then into glass containers called « demijohns » in
which they can safely be left without any further
change.
• Some of these eaux-de-vie, carefully kept to the
present day, are blended in varying proportions in
the crafting of the very finest Cognacs from
Gautier.
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11. 3. A unique quality and how-know
• For more than 250 years, Gautier is driven by a dynamic approach geared to
constantly seeking perfection in terms of quality.
•The quality and unique mellowness of Gautier Cognacs are prize-winners every year
in prestigious international contests.
• In 2010, Gautier received the Best in Class Gold Medal for Gold & Blue XO
Cognac at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, two Silver Medals for the
VS and a Silver Medal for the Pineau des Charentes Blanc and the VSOP.
XO Gold & Blue VSOP VS Pineau Blanc
Gold Medal Best in Class Silver Medal Silver Medal Silver Medal
IWSC San Francisco World San Francisco World Concours Mondial de
Spirits Competition Spirits Competition Bruxelles
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13. II. Gautier Cognacs
1. Brand positioning
2. Gautier’s range
3. Marketing tools
13
14. 1. Brand positioning
Gautier, a unique mellowness for an exclusive niche Cognac
vying with the leading brands.
« Aged over the river since 1755 »
• Position of the cellars above the river combined with an ancestral know-
how
• Perfect conditions of humidity for optimal ageing
• A quality recognised by judges in prestigious international competitions
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15. 2. Gautier’s range
The classic range Cigars blends
• VS • Cognac XO Pinar Del Rio
• VSOP • Vieux pineau Panatela
• XO Gold & Blue
• XO Extra 1755
• Tradition Rare
• EDEN
Alcohols with Cognac
• Sève by Gautier
Cognac Fine Champagne liqueur
• Pineau Blanc
• Pineau Rosé
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16. The classic range
VS - Very Special
The Gautier VS has been carefully crafted by the
Cellar Master of Maison Gautier essentially from
Cognacs from the Fins Bois and the Bons Bois for a
perfectly balanced and harmonious Cognac.
Tasting notes :
A pale golden colour, a fruity aroma, lively, spicy
flavours enhanced by a hint of vanilla, offer finesse on
the palate.
Tasting :
The Gautier VS, a young, well-balanced Cognac, can
ideally be enjoyed on the rocks or in a cocktail.
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17. The classic range
VSOP - Very Special Old Pale
The Gautier VSOP, crafted by the Cellar Master from
the four leading « growths » of the Cognac region, is a
blend of cognacs with particularly delicate aromas in a
perfect marriage of generous, full-bodied Cognacs.
Tasting notes :
An amber colour, a subtle nose of vanilla with aromas
of dried fruit. A rich, balanced Cognac.
Tasting :
The Gautier VSOP, enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a
long drink with soda, reveals all its refreshing flavours.
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18. The classic range
XO Gold & Blue
This XO is a blend of old eaux-de-vie, some of which
have been aged for 35 years, to give this Cognac its
round, full body and typical « rancio ».
XO Gold & Blue comes in a decanter the modern,
elegant lines of which were specially designed for Gautier
Tasting notes :
A golden amber colour resulting from the absorption of
the tannins of the oak ageing barrels. Floral aromas with
hints of toast and cinnamon. The XO Gold & Blue is a
subtle, round and harmonious Cognac.
On the palate, the taste explodes with all the aromas of
candied fruit in a generous, mellow and particularly
harmonious blend offering all the splendid length which is
so characteristic of old Cognacs.
Tasting :
An intense Cognac the aromas of which can be enjoyed
neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail.
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19. The classic range
XO Extra 1755
Upon the occasion of its 250th anniversary, Maison Gautier
made a point of paying homage to its founder, Louis Gautier,
with the creation of the special blend entitled “1755”, the date
of the foundation of Maison Gautier.
This Extra, crafted from old eaux-de-vie, including some from
the Paradise Cellar (holding cognacs over 25 to 30 years old),
is an exceptional Cognac with an extraordinary complexity of
aromas.
Tasting notes :
This Cognac offers a rich and delicate nose combining the
complexity of spices with the softness of vanilla, backed by
floral aromas giving it all its elegance.
It is well-balanced on the palate between powerfulness and
finesse. The initial roundness proves to be a lasting feature.
The XO Extra 1755, powerful, generous and full-bodied with
smooth, mellow notes, is definitely a Cognac for discerning
connoisseurs.
Tasting :
Its purity in little sips enables the full appreciation of the
extraordinary richness and subtlety of its bouquet which
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reveals the old eaux-de-vie used in its blend.
20. The classic range
Tradition Rare
Tradition Rare, with a limited annual production of just 2,400
numbered bottles, is a blend of Cognacs taken from the very
oldest reserves of the Gautier Paradise Cellar faithfully handed
down over the last ten generations of the Gautier family.
The result is a unique blend of rare, mellow Cognacs with truly
unique flavours.
The bottle of Tradition Rare, with its hand-crafted wax seal, is a
reproduction of the bottle used in the 18th century when the
history of Cognac first began.
Tasting notes :
This Cognac benefits from its powerfulness, first evidenced by its
mahogany colour and then by its rich, complex aromas
combining the mellowness of candied fruit subsequently
enhanced by its spiciness and intense notes of “rancio”.
The alcoholic strength of 41.2° serves to maintain all the wealth
of its aromas through to a lingering finish. This is a truly rare,
generous and full-bodied cognac.
Tasting :
Made for discerning connoisseurs, Tradition Rare with its
complex aromas is best enjoyed neat.
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21. EDEN
Marriage of the oldest Cognacs from the
Maison Gautier’s “Chais Paradis”
Tasting notes
Launch tools:
Nose: bouquet of candied fruits, a
- Teasing
tang of bitter orange wrapped in
- Press kit
divinely sweet honey.
- Advertising in international
spirits magazines
Palate: spicy, woody notes which
- Website : www.cognac-eden.com
provide Eden with a subtle and
powerful aromatic complexity
Endnote: hints of candied and
grilled fruits return Packaging:
- Bottle with pure lines numbered
and an elegantly etched image
depicting Adam and Eve
- The display case is crafted from
teak, a precious dark brown
wood from Burma, with a
guilloche decoration and
brushed mirror background
Consumer price : 1500
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22. Cigar blends
Cognac XO Pinar Del Rio
Pinar Del Rio, named after the Cuban valley where the best
tobacco leaves are harvested, is an XO cognac crafted in
particular from the eaux-de-vie in the Paradise Cellar of
Maison Gautier especially for cigar aficionados.
It enables connoisseurs to hold all the aromas of the Cognac
in the mouth whilst respecting the character of each cigar.
The XO Pinar del Rio offers a unique opportunity for
unforgettable occasions.
Tasting notes :
Its amber colour is shot through with flashes of mahogany
and rosewood.
The nose offers an extraordinary richness of complex aromas
with hints of vanilla, dried fruit and woodiness.
Its roundness and balance predominate on the palate with
the increasing intensity of its bouquet leading to a remarkably
subtle finish.
Tasting :
The XO Pinar Del Rio, to be enjoyed neat with a Havana
cigar, is the ideal gift for cigar lovers.
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23. Cigar blends
Panatela, Old Pineau des Charentes
The Panatela, the result of a blend of freshly pressed grape
juice produced in the Cognac region and of cognac eaux-de-vie,
is matured in Limousin oak barrels for at least 5 years as
required by the regulations for an « Old Pineau ».
The combination of its natural alcohol content (17% vol.) and of
its mellowness drawn exclusively from the original grape juice
will delight the palate of all connoisseurs.
All gourmets will appreciate this Panatela Old Pineau of the
Charentes both for its unique taste and for its elegant
presentation.
Tasting notes :
Powerful, generous flavours of candied fruit, honey and walnut.
Round and full-bodied on the palate with an extraordinarily
complex body of aromas. Long and lingering with an
exceptional finish.
Tasting :
To be enjoyed neat as an aperitif or with foie gras or any
chocolate dessert.
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24. Alcohols with Cognac
Enter into the world of Sève by Gautier, the perfect
balance between the strength of a Cognac and the
mellowness of a liqueur
Sève by Gautier,
Liqueur with Fine Champagne Cognac
The Cellar Master of Maison Gautier has selected the finest
blends from the Fine Champagne area which, combined
with a consummate blend of plant extracts, give a powerful
liqueur with a delicate and harmonious vanilla flavour.
To enhance its unmistakably strong character, the liqueur is
left to mature a few in wooden barrels.
Tasting notes :
A nose of spicy, mellow fragrances marked by vanilla and
delicate floral touches. The roundness and mellowness on
the palate perfectly match the powerfulness of the Cognac.
Tasting :
Served neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail, Sève by Gautier
can be enjoyed as an aperitif or as an after-dinner drink.
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25. Alcohols with Cognac
Pineau des Charentes blanc
Tasting notes :
A golden yellow colour with a lovely limpid brightness. A
nose of fruit, grapes, plum and honey encapsulated in a
harmonious softness of aromas. Mellow and lingering
on the palate, the white Pineau from Gautier is superbly
well balanced.
Pineau des Charentes rosé
Tasting notes :
Flashes of red and a lovely brightness, this Pineau
offers a nose of soft fruit (blackcurrant and raspberry)
followed by a delightful lingering softness on the palate.
Tasting :
To be enjoyed neat as an aperitif.
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29. Maison Gautier, since its creation in 1755 and thanks to the production in
limited quantities crafted with a constant drive for perfection, has never
lost its authenticity or forsaken its determination to satisfy the most
demanding palates.
This constant passion and unique expertise have given Maison Gautier
its status as “an expert craftsman of Cognac” upheld for over 250
Cognac”
years.
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31. 2010
Gold Medal Best in Class XO Gold & Blue IWSC : International Wine & Spirit Competition
Silver Medal VSOP San Francisco World Spirits Competition, US
Silver Medal VS San Francisco World Spirits Competition, US
Silver medal VS IWSC : International Wine & Spirit Competition
Silver Medal Pineau des Charentes Blanc Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Belgium
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32. 2009
Gold Medal XO Extra 1755 Concours Général Agricole de Paris, France
Silver Medal XO Extra 1755 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Belgium
Double Gold Medal XO Gold & Blue San Francisco World Spirits Competition, US
Silver Medal XO Pinar Del Rio San Francisco World Spirits Competition, US
Silver Medal VSOP International Wine & Spirit Competition, England
Silver Medal Best in Class Sève by Gautier International Wine & Spirit Competition, England
Silver Medal Sève by Gautier Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Belgium
Silver Medal Pineau Panatela International Wine & Spirit Competition, England
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33. International awards
2008
Silver Medal Cognac VS International Spirits Challenge 2008
Gold Medal Best in Class Cognac XO Gold & Blue Concours Général Agricole de Paris, France
Silver Medal Cognac Pinar del Rio XO Concours Général Agricole de Paris, France
Silver Medal Tradition Rare International Wine & Spirit Competition, England
Gold Medal Cognac Pinar del Rio XO International Wine & Spirit Competition, England
2007
Silver Medal Cognac Gautier Extra 1755 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Belgium
Silver Medal Tradition Rare Concours Général Agricole de Paris, France
Silver Medal Cognac XO Gold and Blue International Wine & Spirit Competition, England
Bronze Medal Cognac VSOP International Wine & Spirit Competition, England
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34. International awards
2006
Gold Medal Tradition rare Concours Saveurs de Poitou-Charentes, France
Bronze MedalCognac Gautier Extra 1755 International Spirits Challenge
Bronze Medal VSOP “250 Years” International Spirits Challenge
Bronze Medal Cognac Gautier XO 1755 International Wine & Spirits Competition, England
Silver Medal “250 Years” Anniversary International Wine & Spirits Competition, England
2005
Gold Medal XO Extra « 1755 » Concours Saveurs de Poitou-Charentes, France
Silver Medal VSOP « 250 Years » Concours Saveurs de Poitou-Charentes, France
Silver Medal Cognac Pinar del Rio XO International Wine & Spirits Competition, England
Bronze Medal Extra Vieille XO Decanter International Wine & Spirits Competition, England
Bronze Medal Cognac VS International Wine & Spirits Competition, England
Seal of Approval Cognac Napoléon International Spirits Challenge
Bronze Medal Cognac Pinar del Rio XO International Spirits Challenge
Silver Medal Cognac Pinar del Rio XO Concours Général Agricole Paris, France
Bronze Medal Cognac Tradition Rare Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Belgium
34
35. International awards
2004 Silver Medal Cognac XO Gold & Blue Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Belgium
Silver Medal Cognac Pinar del Rio XO Concours Saveurs Poitou-Charentes, France
Bronze Medal Cognac VSOP International Spirits Challenge
Bronze Medal Cognac XO Gold & Blue International Spirits Challenge
Commended Cognac XO Gold & Blue International Wine & Spirits Competition, Enlgand
Silver Cognac Napoleon International Wine & Spirits Competition, England
2003 Silver Medal Cognac Tradition Rare International Wine & Spirits Competition, England
Bronze Medal Pineau Blanc International Wine & Spirits Competition, England
Silver Medal Cognac VS International Spirits Challenge, England
Seal of Appr Cognac Tradition Rare International Spirits Challenge, England
Bronze Medal Pineau Panatela /Old Challenge International du Vin, Blaye, France
Silver Medal Cognac Pinar del Rio XO Challenge International du Vin, Blaye, France
Silver Medal Cognac XO Gold & Blue Concours Saveurs Poitou-Charentes, France
2002 Bronze Medal Pineau Panatela /Old International Wine & Spirits Competition, England
Silver Medal Extra Vieille XO Decanter Concours Saveurs Poitou-Charentes, France
2001 Silver Medal Myriade Fine Champagne VSOP Brussels Spirits Award, Belgium
Bronze Medal Myriade Fine Champagne VSOP Concours Général Agricole Paris, France
Commended Cognac Pinar del Rio XO International Wine & Spirits Competition, England
Commended Cognac VSOP International Wine & Spirits Competition, England
2000 Trophy Winner Cognac Tradition Rare International Wine & Spirits Competition, England
Gold Medal Cognac XO Gold & Blue Monde Sélection Quality Selections, Belgium
Gold Medal Cognac XO Gold & Blue International Wine & Spirits Competition, England
Silver Medal Cognac Pinar del Rio XO Concours Général Agricole Paris, France
Bronze Medal Cognac 2000 Concours Général Agricole Paris, France
Bronze Medal Myriade VSOP Concours Saveurs Poitou-Charentes, France
Seal of Appr Cognac VSOP International Spirits Challenge, England
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