A Superlative Single Estate XO: Drouet Cuvée Ulysse
Drouet Cuvée Ulysse XO Grande Champagne Cognac is a Grande Champagne single estate bottling made exclusively from grapes harvested in mid-September. Following a double distillation in a traditional alembic charentais still, the eaux-de-vie have been matured for between six months and one year in new barrels to draw a wealth of color and flavor from the wood. After the initial aging, they are then transferred to older barrels to age for an average of 20 years, slowly developing a deeper hue and more complex palate. The work of several generations of winegrowers, this cuvée pays tribute to Ulysse Drouet, the great-grandfather of Patrick Drouet, current director of the estate.
As a fourth-generation distiller, Patrick takes his work very seriously, overseeing not just a distillery and tasting cellars, but also an expanse of vineyards across Grande and Petite Champagne and a bottling plant. In this way, the Drouet family can ensure they maintain control of their production quality and only bottle the very finest Cognac available. While the picturesque estate lays across two winegrowing regions, Drouet Cognac only uses grapes from the limestone-rich Grande Champagne terroir for their own eaux-de-vie. For added complexity, they use a combination of 93% Ugni Blanc grapes blended with 7% Colombard, creating acidic wines with a low alcoholic strength of 8-9%, which gives a lower yield but a much more flavorful result.
With this exceptional attention to detail, it’s no wonder that the Cuvée Ulysse XO expression has earned a score of 97 points from the Beverage Testing Institute, where judges said it is “sure to please both cognac novices and connoisseurs“.
Awards and Accolades
- Paris Agricultural Show 2018 – Gold Medal
- Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2015 – Finalist – 96 points
- Difford’s Guide 2014 – 5+ stars (highest score) – “Outstanding”
- San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013 – Silver Medal
- Beverage Testing Institute – 97 points – “Superlative”
Presentation of the Bottle
The Drouet Cuvée Ulysse XO Grande Champagne Cognac is presented in a wide, elegant, carafe-style decanter with a weighty metal stopper.
Both the bottle and the accompanying box features a silver-foil illustration of the family maison.
How to Enjoy
This exceptional XO Cognac deserves to be savored slowly. Serve it in tulip glasses after a fine dinner, with dessert or simply on its own. We strongly recommend pairing the XO Ullysse with a duck breast glazed with honey and autumn vegetables.
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