The Charentes Normandin-Mercier cognac house is located in Dompierre-sur-Mer, at the edge of La Rochelle. Founded in 1872 by Jules Normandin, then an owner and broker in Cognac, Maison Normandin-Mercier recently celebrated its four-hundredth anniversary. Edouard Normandin represents the fifth generation of cellar master and oversees the release of eaux-de-vie produced by his great-great-grandfather’s. In doing so, he continues to develop the art of ageing and blending sophisticated eaux-de-vies from Grande and Petite Champagne.
The estate’s proximity to the ocean is ideal for ageing cognac, helping control temperature changes and producing round and distinguished spirits. The house only produces very old Pineaus and recently moved into the ageing of organic Pineau Des Charentes and cognac.
Cognac is aged in oak barrels, for at least two years, for increased roundness, length and aromatic richness.

A Fine Champagne Norandin-Mercier cognac. Fine Champagne is a combination of cognac from Grande Champagne (the majority) and Petite Champagne. The spirit was aged for 12-14 months in 350-litre new oak casks and then in 550 or 600 litre tierçons. The cognac has the same taste as a 15 year old cognac despite containing younger spirit.