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Chateau d'Orignac
Nestled in the heart of Charente-Maritime, close to the Gironde estuary, Château d'Orignac stands as a beacon of exceptional viticulture. With 25 hectares of vines flourishing in the esteemed "Fins Bois" appellation, this estate delicately cultivates both red grapes for Pineau and white varieties like Ugni Blanc and Colombard for its premium Cognacs. Embracing biodiversity, Château d'Orignac integrates vineyards with organic farming, forestry, and a commitment to sustainable agriculture, ensuring the legacy of their terroir for future generations.
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Our explorations of the Cognac region continue, and will continue, as nothing excites us more than visiting with producers and discussing with them about their production, the challenges they face, their plans and projects for the future, and of course to taste their Cognacs and Pineau. Some visits are repeat visits to Cognac houses we already know and work with, and other visits are first contacts with new and interesting producers to learn all about their history and craft of Cognac making. One such recent visit was to Chateau d’Orignac, in a more westernly sector of the region than we are accustomed to exploring (but a part of the region we want to know more about).
Chateau d’Orignac makes a micro range of Cognacs that captured our attention by their purity, delicate fruit, light touch of oak, and evidently high quality. Small is beautiful, and this house - or chateau we should say - is indeed beautiful. Let’s dive in.
The history of Château d'Orignac is steeped in tradition, innovation, and a deep connection to the land that spans over 800 years. Its beginnings trace back to the year 1200, marking the union of Ythier, an Orignac horseman, and Sybille, daughter of Hélies, squire of Virollet. This foundational moment laid the groundwork for the estate's enduring legacy. Over the centuries, Château d'Orignac has been nurtured and cherished by its occupants, each contributing to the estate's serene and timeless atmosphere. A significant transformation occurred around 1840 when Monsieur de Saint-Légier modernized the estate, surrounding the building with formal avenues, gardens, and woodlands to enhance its appeal. This evolution was documented in records from 1864, showcasing the estate's continual adaptation over time.
In the last century, the Château witnessed another pivotal chapter with the acquisition by Monsieur Paul Gros from the Baron de Saint Légier's descendants. Gros, a visionary with a knack for innovation, played a crucial role in saving the French vineyards from the phylloxera crisis by importing resistant rootstocks from America. His efforts not only averted the vineyard crisis but also led to the replanting of France's devastated vineyards, amassing a considerable fortune in the process. This financial success enabled him to purchase properties for his four daughters, with Château d'Orignac being one of them.
The estate remains in the family to this day - thanks to Yvan and Corrine Meyer, and their children - a testament to its enduring legacy and the profound impact of those who have cared for it through the generations.
The estate today
Château d'Orignac stands as an example of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity, thanks to the diligent stewardship of Yvan and Corrine. Balancing their professional commitments in Bordeaux's wine industry during the weekdays, the couple dedicates their weekends to the nurturing of their estate, embodying the essence of a working farm and vineyard. Their commitment to organic farming principles has transformed the estate into a sanctuary of biodiversity, boasting a wide variety of wild grasses and a thriving insect population that contributes to the health and vitality of their land. This holistic approach extends to their cattle-rearing practices, where a small herd of grass-fed cows— a rarity in France and Europe—benefits from the estate's lush pastures. The resultant high-quality meat, celebrated for its outstanding taste, is sold annually to friends and locals in Bordeaux.
Yvan and Corrine's vision for Château d'Orignac is deeply rooted in a sense of legacy and environmental stewardship. Their efforts are driven by a profound desire to enhance the estate for future generations, a mission shared with their six children who actively participate and contribute their own insights to the family venture. This collective commitment ensures that Château d'Orignac not only stands as a beacon to the potential of organic farming and biodiversity but also as a legacy project that embodies the values of environmental care, community, and family. Through their work, Yvan and Corrine are crafting an enduring heritage that promises to leave the estate in a better state than they found it.
The Vineyard & Production
Surrounding the picturesque Château d'Orignac lies a sprawling 25-hectare vineyard, nestled within the Fins Bois cru of the Cognac region. The vineyard meticulously cultivates Ugni Blanc and Colombard varieties, essential for crafting the Château's Cognac, while Merlot and Cabernet vines are dedicated to the production of Pineau, a cherished local aperitif.
The majority of their harvest is sold under contract to Martell, one of the leading names in Cognac, ensuring a consistent demand for their high-quality produce. Additionally, a portion of their yield is marketed to another prominent house based in Jarnac, further solidifying Château d'Orignac's reputation in the Cognac landscape. Notably, the estate has carved out a niche for itself with its Pineau des Charentes, thanks to Yvan's extensive network in the wine industry, allowing for global distribution and recognition.
Despite the significant portion of their production being dedicated to these established houses, Château d'Orignac's Cognac output remains deliberately limited, emphasizing quality over quantity, with an annual production ranging between 2,000 to 3,000 bottles. This meticulous - and micro - approach to Cognac production ensures each bottle meets the highest standards of excellence, adhering to the estate's commitment to crafting a small range of Cognacs that reflect the terroir's unique character and heritage.
While Martell has taken over the distillation responsibilities (they used to distill on-site with a small wood-fired alambic), allowing the Château to focus on viticulture and aging processes, the estate continues to thrive in a niche market.
Distillation & Cognac Craftsmanship
At Château d'Orignac, the presence of an old, wood-fired alambic serves as a reminder of the estate’s steadfast commitment to the traditional methods employed in the production of Cognac. Although it has fallen out of use, its existence evokes a bygone era when the distiller would keep close, sometimes even sleeping next to the alambic to oversee the delicate distillation process. Yvan, with vivid childhood memories, recalls the distinct aromas and warmth that filled the distillery during these operations. This historical piece not only connects the present to the past but also serves as a reminder of the meticulous care and attention that has always been integral to the craft of Cognac and Pineau production at the estate.
The aging process of Château d'Orignac's spirits is carried out with great care within several chais on the domaine, with a preference for using the estate's more humid cellars for Cognac to achieve the desired aging conditions. The estate's approach to barrel usage is conservative, aiming to minimize the influence of new oak on their Cognac. New barrels are introduced sparingly, primarily to replace the very old ones, ensuring that the essence of the spirit remains as natural as possible. This deliberate effort underscores their philosophy of producing Cognac that reflects their personal preferences for purity, lightness, freshness, and fruits and florals rather than conforming to prevailing market trends or fashions.
An interesting side note we learned during our visit to Château d'Orignac is the annual return of a species of bird, the Huppe, which has made the Cognac aging cellar its unconventional nesting site behind a particular barrel. Somehow this migratory bird species entered the chai through a small hole in the chai wall. They initially nested behind one of the cellar’s barrels. Remarkably, they come back every year, to the exact same spot in the chai. Incredible!
The careful management of alcohol content, gradually reduced over the two years leading up to bottling, allows for a meticulous refinement of the Cognac. Before that final period of two years before bottling, the Cognac ages peacefully at its natural alcohol strength. As mentioned above, the Cognac range is small but of tremendous quality, featuring a VSOP, XO, and Hors d’Age Cognac.
Chateau D'Orignac Hors d'Age Fins Bois Cognac
Chateau D'Orignac Hors d'Age Fins Bois Cognac
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- Cognac age
- Hors d'Age
- Growth area
- Fins Bois
- Bottle size
- 700ml
- ABV
- 40%
Tasting review
Color: Mahogany with deep amber and bronze shades
Nose: Rich and expressive, this profile opens with an array of candied fruits that immediately captivate the senses. A blend of spices and licorice adds depth, while leather and rancio notes reveal a mature and settled character. The overall aroma is one of sophistication and allure.
Palate: Generous yet delicate, the palate offers an elegant and layered tasting experience. Gingerbread comes to the forefront, providing a spicy sweetness that is perfectly complemented by the creamy richness of vanilla and the warmth of cinnamon. A spirit of intricate balance and finesse.
Finish: The finish is seemingly without end and refined, leaving a lasting impression of oak and a warming spice that lingers pleasantly.
Product description
Chateau d'Orignac Hors d'Age Fins Bois Cognac
A blend of eaux-de-vie between 35 and 45 years old, selected from the Fins Bois terroir, Chateau d’Orignac Very Old Cognac is an exceptionally limited edition cuvée packed with aromatic strength and finesse. Bottled at the Chateau, there are only 980 bottles available, making it a rare limited edition.
Château d'Orignac has been producing grapes for at least 800 years. Located in the Fins Bois cru on limestone slopes near the Gironde estuary, ...
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Read more about Chateau D'Orignac Hors d'Age Fins Bois Cognac
Chateau D'Orignac XO Fins Bois Cognac
Chateau D'Orignac XO Fins Bois Cognac
$ 63
excl.
TAX
excl. shipping
- Cognac age
- XO
- Growth area
- Fins Bois
- Bottle size
- 70cl
- ABV
- 40%
Tasting review
Color: Yellow amber with golden reflections
Nose: A beautifully clean and pure aroma that blends the sweetness of candied lemon and honey with the complexity of late harvest Chenin Blanc or Riesling wines. Undertones of lime flower tea and yellow plums contribute to an overall impression of freshness. Golden raisins add a layer of complexity, while a subtle spice and a hint of butter round off the nose, creating a Cognac of balance.
Palate: The palate is both balanced and round, exuding a soft and fresh profile. Yellow-fleshed fruits dominate, with golden raisins and honey enhancing the rich, pure essence. The texture is dense, yet it maintains a bright acidity that keeps the experience lively. Oak is present but used with a light hand, ensuring the fruit and honey characteristics shine through.
Finish: A medium-length finish that is fresh and bright, evocatively reminiscent of springtime. The persistence of yellow fruits and honey on the palate leaves a lasting impression
Product description
Château d'Orignac XO Cognac
Introducing the exquisite Château d'Orignac XO Cognac, a masterpiece from a vineyard scarcely spanning 20 hectares within the 'fins bois' appellation. This cognac, meticulously crafted on clay-limestone soils near the Gironde estuary, 50 km south of Cognac city, is a blend of several eaux-de-vie, the youngest being 12 years old. With vines averaging over 30 years and a blend of 90% Ugni Blanc and 10% Colombard grapes, each step in its creation—from cultivation to...
Read more about Chateau D'Orignac XO Fins Bois Cognac
Read more about Chateau D'Orignac XO Fins Bois Cognac
Chateau D'Orignac Very Old Pineau des Charentes
Chateau D'Orignac Very Old Pineau des Charentes
$ 42
excl.
TAX
excl. shipping
- Bottle size
- 750ml
- ABV
- 17%
- Pineau Type
- Tres Vieux Pineau
Tasting review
Appearance: A captivating pale rose hue, a prelude to its refined complexity.
Nose: An opulent tapestry of candied fruits, walnut, and almond aromas, interwoven with the distinguished rancio characteristic of the world's finest ports.
Palate: A harmonious blend of lush, silky textures and balanced freshness. Each sip unveils layers of complexity.
Finish: Enduring flavors that promise a persistent, memorable finish.
Product description
Chateau D'Orignac Very Old Pineau des Charentes
Introducing the Chateau D'Orignac Very Old Pineau des Charentes, a symphony of heritage and meticulous craftsmanship. Born from the clay-limestone soils of the 'fin bois' appellation, this exceptional Pineau is the result of a dedicated process, from the selection of the finest Merlot and Cabernet grapes to the artful aging in French oak barrels for over 25 years.
Presentation of the bottle
Encased in a distinctive 75cl bottle and presented in a...
Read more about Chateau D'Orignac Very Old Pineau des Charentes
Read more about Chateau D'Orignac Very Old Pineau des Charentes
Conclusion
These are wonderfully clean and pure Cognacs that are bursting with life and brightness. And they come from a corner of the Cognac region that we are only just now starting to properly explore. Special thanks to Yvan and Corrine for their generosity and time during our visit. We are more than thrilled to present Chateau d’Orignac to our beloved Cognac community.
Cheers!
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A Rich Tapestry of Biodiversity
Château d'Orignac is a vibrant ecosystem nestled in Charente-Maritime, a mere 10 km from the Gironde estuary. The estate is a testament to the harmony between agriculture and nature, featuring a diverse landscape that includes cattle farming, grain fields, oak, charm, acacia, and pine forests, an orchard, truffle oaks, a vegetable garden, and a blooming park. This diversity underscores the estate's commitment to biodiversity and ecological balance.
Viticulture at Its Finest
Central to the estate's 25 hectares is the "Fins Bois" appellation, known for its clay-limestone soils that imbue grapes with unique flavors and aromas. Château d'Orignac cultivates Merlot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon for its Pineau production, while Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes are reserved for crafting the estate's distinguished Cognacs. The pursuit of exceptional quality drives every aspect of vineyard management, with care ensuring the highest caliber of grapes.
Sustainable Practices
Château d'Orignac's philosophy extends beyond traditional winemaking. Embracing reasoned agriculture, the estate focuses on sustainable practices that preserve the land's richness and authenticity. This approach not only contributes to the production of exceptional Cognacs and Pineau but also ensures that this unique terroir can be enjoyed by future generations. The estate's commitment to achieving a delicate balance between climate, soil, and vine promotes optimal grape maturity and richness, resulting in wines of extraordinary character and depth. A Commitment to Quality and Heritage At Château d'Orignac, the legacy of fine winemaking is carried forward with energy and enthusiasm by Corinne and Yvan, a Bordeaux winemaker. Together, they continue the work of Yvann's predecessors, ensuring that each bottle from Château d'Orignac encapsulates the essence of their exceptional terroir.