Coutanseaux Aîné

Founded in 1767 by Louis Coutanseaux as a cooper's workshop in Saintes, the maison later evolved into a cognac producer and bottler, with a family tradition highlighting expertise in coopering and maturation. During the 19th and 20th centuries the house expanded its international presence; after a period of reduced activity or visibility, the brand was relaunched in a contemporary line with new cuvées and collections from 2015 under the Frerejean Taittinger family.

Focus on terroir: exclusive use of eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne; pursuit of full maturity through long wood aging and artisanal selection of reserves to express aromatic finesse and persistence.

Grande Champagne (Premier Cru of the Cognac appellation); administrative and commercial headquarters in Saintes, Charente-Maritime department, France.

XO: 95/100 – Gold, New York International Spirits Competition 2023; Gold – Global Cognac Masters 2023. XXO: 96/100 – Double Gold, New York International Spirits Competition 2023; Gold – Global Cognac Masters 2023; XXO Box: Winner 2023, Wine & Spirits Category – Forme de Luxe.

Double distillation carried out on the lees in large copper pot stills, with the first distillation producing the "brouillis" and the second distillation up to about 70°. Use of the Ugni Blanc variety; aging in casks (initial phase in new barriques for some months, then transfer to older casks) with rotation of casks in partially buried, high-humidity cellars. Harvest/distillation follows the authorized cycle (after harvest, distillations between October and 31 March of the following year).

Double distillation in large copper pot stills, conducted on the lees; second distillation brought to about 70°.

Aging in wooden casks: initial phase in new casks for a limited period, then transfer to older casks; controlled rotation of casks; maturation in partially buried, high-humidity cellars. Declared ages: XO minimum ~15 years; XXO minimum ~25 years (according to official cuvées).