Camus Ile De Re Fine Island Cognac

Camus Cognac has been produced since 1863 by five generations of the Camus family; they strive to create exceptional cognacs by using highly aromatic grapes grown on their estate. With generations of production know-how, Camus ages its eaux-de-vie in small, toasted oak barrels before blending. The result is the recognisable Camus house style: an aromatic and elegant Cognac for the pleasure of those who appreciate the finest things in life.

Camus Ile de Ré Fine Island is a Cognac like no other, the grapes are picked from charming sun-drenched, ocean-kissed vineyards, with a unique and distinctive marine taste profile deeply tied to its island provenance.

The island's chalky and sandy soils contribute to the vigour of the vines while the natural abundance of seaweed (kelp) and wind-blown sea spray give the grapes a typically marine composition, richer in iodine.

The unique island climate, windy but warmer than the mainland, also creates the perfect environment for optimal maturation in barrels. The result is a smooth and balanced Cognac, with iodized notes that make it quite unique in the category, to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in cocktails.

Nose: Elegant and fresh, with lively notes of white fruits such as peach and apricot.

Palate: Juicy orchard fruits, such as apple and pear, hints of caramel and almond aromas balanced by cocoa, cinnamon and a subtle mineral note.

Finish: Spicy finish with a saline tang.

Nolan - From the Spotlight on the Full-Strength Spirits of France blog

Camus is an old Cognac house that is producing some really lovely and aromatic brandies. The majority of their vineyards and production is in the Borderies, the smallest sub region of the Charentes. The brandies produced in the Borderies are known for maturing faster than spirit from the other Cognac sub regions, because of this, they are often used to bulk out lighter brandies. One famous example is Martel’s Cordon Bleu.

Camus do not only own vineyards in the Borderies alone, they also have a site on the beautiful Ile de Ré, just off the West Coast, but still a part of the wider Charentes. Camus are the only Cognac producer to grow vines on the island, they also distil the spirit and complete the full aging process for this delicious brandy on the island itself. This one really is unique!

The island of Ile de Ré is home to France’s western most vineyards. The limestone and sandy soils, combined with the sea spray which sweeps over the vineyard, give a maritime composition to the soils. The aging in this climate also has a profound effect. The constant breezes give a mild acceleration to the aging process, with the sea breezes aiding evaporation from the casks, marginally increasing the angels share and helping to concentrate the spirit in the casks. The result is a distinctly elegant flavour profile with a crisp freshness on the palate, enhanced by Camus’ intensely aromatic house style.

Elegant and fresh on the nose, with lively notes of white fruits such as peach and apricot. The palate bursts with juicy orchard fruits, such as apple and pear, hints of caramel and almond aromas balanced by cocoa, cinnamon and a subtle mineral note. Spicy finish with a saline, moreish tang.