St-Rémy, the world-renowned brandy producer, has launched the St-Rémy Grand Blend, a premium release crafted from five exceptional eaux-de-vie, hand-picked by Master Blender Cécile Roudaut.
Each of the unique, small batches used in the Grand Blend represent different regions, grape varieties, distillation methods and ageing processes. The result is an opulent mix. If you think you know brandy, then maybe it’s time to think again.
Just 8,624 bottles of this inaugural special edition have been produced. I sampled the Grand Blend, at a curated tasting with Master Blender Roudaut, and was bewitched by its complexity.
Roudaut hails Grand Blend as a first in the history of brandy. “Each lot has been carefully selected to compose a unique product which showcases St-Rémy’s expertise in the making of top-end brandies.”
Each of the unique, small eaux-de-vie used in the Grand Blend represent different regions, grape varieties, distillation methods and ageing processes…
Each of the five small batch eaux-de-vie has been carefully chosen to create a distinctive product.
Lot no.1 is complex and balanced, uniting diverse varietals from a selection of vineyards; it represents 47 per cent of the blend.
Lot no.2 brings in the sweetness of Loire Valley Chenin blanc, and comprises 27 per cent of the blend. Lot no.3 is the oldest component, representing 6 per cent, and contributes the intense, fruity influence of Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Baco Blanc.
Lot no.4 is made of brandy-staple Colombard, and is 7 per cent of the recipe. The last eaux-de-vie hails from the South of France, and combines Gascon Ugni Blanc with Baco Blanc.
Fully transparent, St-Rémy has made a point of listing the complete recipe on the label, including all the details of maturation. “The consumer will know all the different eaux-de-vie in the blend,” says Roudaut.
This Grand Blend may be limited, but there will be more.
“Yes, we will do a second edition Grand Blend, but it will be completely different,” reveals Roudant. “Different varieties, different regions. I’m working on the blending of the second edition, and I’m already searching for eaux-de-vie for a third.”
Roudant clearly relishes the freedom she has, compared to more strictly regulated Cognac. “I can use red and white wines, I can use column distillation, double traditional distillation. I can work with all the vineyards in France. I have a lot of choice…”
St-Rémy Grand Blend brandy tasting notes
This is a bold, complex brandy. The hue is a darker amber than St-Remy XO or its more modernistic Signature sibling, and on the nose, fruits dominate.
On the nose there’s the aroma of prunes and oranges. On the palate, these are joined by notes of fresh pastry, coconut and sweet brioche. The mouthfeel is creamy, and the finish long and persistent.
Bottled at 43% ABV, St-Rémy Grand Blend is non-chill filtered and free from added colour and sugar.
St-Rémy Grand Blend is now available, priced at £49 – but UK supplies are limited. Grab one for your bar cart while you can.
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The Luxe Review 
St-Rémy, the world-renowned brandy producer, has launched the St-Rémy Grand Blend, a premium release crafted from five exceptional eaux-de-vie, hand-picked by Master Blender Cécile Roudaut.
Each of the unique, small batches used in the Grand Blend represent different regions, grape varieties, distillation methods and ageing processes. The result is an opulent mix. If you think you know brandy, then maybe it’s time to think again.
Just 8,624 bottles of this inaugural special edition have been produced. I sampled the Grand Blend, at a curated tasting with Master Blender Roudaut, and was bewitched by its complexity.
Roudaut hails Grand Blend as a first in the history of brandy. “Each lot has been carefully selected to compose a unique product which showcases St-Rémy’s expertise in the making of top-end brandies.”
Craftsmanship behind limited edition St-Rémy brandy
Each of the five small batch eaux-de-vie has been carefully chosen to create a distinctive product.
Lot no.1 is complex and balanced, uniting diverse varietals from a selection of vineyards; it represents 47 per cent of the blend.
Lot no.2 brings in the sweetness of Loire Valley Chenin blanc, and comprises 27 per cent of the blend. Lot no.3 is the oldest component, representing 6 per cent, and contributes the intense, fruity influence of Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Baco Blanc.
Lot no.4 is made of brandy-staple Colombard, and is 7 per cent of the recipe. The last eaux-de-vie hails from the South of France, and combines Gascon Ugni Blanc with Baco Blanc.
Fully transparent, St-Rémy has made a point of listing the complete recipe on the label, including all the details of maturation. “The consumer will know all the different eaux-de-vie in the blend,” says Roudaut.
This Grand Blend may be limited, but there will be more.
“Yes, we will do a second edition Grand Blend, but it will be completely different,” reveals Roudant. “Different varieties, different regions. I’m working on the blending of the second edition, and I’m already searching for eaux-de-vie for a third.”
Roudant clearly relishes the freedom she has, compared to more strictly regulated Cognac. “I can use red and white wines, I can use column distillation, double traditional distillation. I can work with all the vineyards in France. I have a lot of choice…”
St-Rémy Grand Blend brandy tasting notes
This is a bold, complex brandy. The hue is a darker amber than St-Remy XO or its more modernistic Signature sibling, and on the nose, fruits dominate.
On the nose there’s the aroma of prunes and oranges. On the palate, these are joined by notes of fresh pastry, coconut and sweet brioche. The mouthfeel is creamy, and the finish long and persistent.
Bottled at 43% ABV, St-Rémy Grand Blend is non-chill filtered and free from added colour and sugar.
St-Rémy Grand Blend is now available, priced at £49 – but UK supplies are limited. Grab one for your bar cart while you can.
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