History and Philosophy of Maison Lheraud

Founded in 1680, Maison Lheraud is a renowned name in the world of cognac, known for its craftsmanship passed down through generations. Located in Lasdoux, at the heart of the Cognac region, it represents over 300 years of family tradition. Initially, the Lheraud family focused mainly on vine cultivation, but over time, they specialized in producing high-quality cognacs.

The philosophy of the house is based on a deep respect for tradition, while constantly striving to innovate and refine its techniques. Every bottle produced by the estate reflects a passion for the art of cognac, highlighting the unique terroir and family heritage. The estate has earned a reputation both in France and internationally by promoting craftsmanship and emphasizing meticulous production methods, in small batches, to ensure unmatched quality.

The Different Types of Cognac Produced

Domaine Lheraud offers a wide range of cognacs, each meeting specific aging and quality standards.

Cognac XO: A symbol of elegance and refinement, Cognac XO (Extra Old) is aged for at least 10 years in oak barrels. It is distinguished by its aromatic complexity, with notes of wood, vanilla, and fruit, along with a silky texture on the palate. This digestif is ideal for cognac enthusiasts seeking a rich and long-lasting tasting experience.

Cognac VSOP: The VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) is a cognac aged for a minimum of 4 years in barrels. At Lheraud, it is carefully crafted to offer a perfect balance between strength and smoothness. The aromas of dried fruits, spices, and honey are characteristic of this type of eau-de-vie.

Cognac Fine Champagne: This exceptional cognac is produced from the two finest crus in the Cognac region, Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. Cognac Fine Champagne is prized for its elegance and finesse, developing delicate floral and fruity notes.

The Vinification Process: Tradition and Excellence

The production of cognac at Lheraud combines ancestral tradition with modern techniques, with strict attention paid to the key steps of vinification and distillation.

Copper stills: Traditional distillation is carried out in copper stills, which allow for an even distribution of heat, promoting the development of aromas and producing a pure eau-de-vie by removing impurities from the wine.

Aging in oak barrels: After distillation, the eaux-de-vie are placed in oak barrels to age. At Lheraud, the barrels are carefully selected for their ability to impart woody, vanilla, and spicy notes while allowing for slow oxidation. This aging process in oak barrels gives cognac its

unique characteristics, harmoniously balancing the robustness of the aromas with softness and roundness on the palate.

Patience is one of the keys to the quality of Lheraud cognacs. Some cognacs are left to age for several decades, allowing the eau-de-vie to develop incomparable aromatic richness over time.

Domaine Lheraud takes great care in every step of the process, ensuring consistent quality year after year. Each bottle is a tribute to the tradition of cognac and a true work of art.

Domaine Cognac Lheraud perfectly embodies the art of crafting eau-de-vie. Through its various cuvées, from Cognac XO to Cognac Fine Champagne, the house perpetuates ancestral know-how while offering products of great finesse, cherished by connoisseurs around the world. With distillation in copper stills and patient aging in oak barrels, the Lheraud family’s passion shines through in every drop, making these cognacs a true treasure to enjoy, particularly as a refined digestif.