Delamain Pale & Dry XO Cognac (200ml)
- Vintage
- NV
- Country
- France
- Region
- Cognac
- Size
- 200ml
- Rating
- WE94
The name Pale & Dry is related to the pale colour, the word "dry" referrs to the sweet character of the Cognac. This Delamain Pale & Dry Très Belle Grande Champagne Cognac was introduced as a product in 1920, and represents 80% of the company's production. The blend consists of selected eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne region producers and growers. The blend of Pale & dry consists of reduced 15% ABV "weak" or "vieilles faibles" cognac, that is blended with about 53% ABV stronger cognac. This blend is then again aged in Limousin oak casks to create a final balance.
Delamain is one of the oldest houses in Cognac, founded in 1824. It sources brandy from partner distillers in the top-rated Grande Champagne zone to mature for an extended period of time – unlike other houses, Delamain does not produce a VS or VSOP Cognac. All of the brandy is tasted to make sure it is suitable before Delamain takes it on, although the house has developed long-term relationships with distillers.
The Cognacs are aged in old French oak barrels in cellars on the banks of the Charente, where the temperature and humidity is well-suited to Cognac maturation. After blending, the products spend a further two years in oak to marry together. Rather than using pure water to reduce the final product down to the final alcohol level, Delamain uses a combination of old brandy and water at 15 percent abv, to retain control of the process.
The Delamain range includes a pair of XO Cognacs and several other extra-aged labels. Small batches of vintage Cognac are also offered, while Réserve de la Famille is a single-barrel, single-estate release.-Wine Searcher