Cognac XO Grande Champagne Michel Forgeron

Michel Forgeron is a family-run house based in Segonzac, in the heart of Grande Champagne. This XO is available in five sizes, from 20 cl to 300 cl, as well as a 70 cl decanter: ideal for sipping yourself or giving as a gift. To learn more about this type of cognac, read our XO cognac guide.

A Grande Champagne XO, aged 20 to 30 years

Grande Champagne is the foremost of the six crus of the Cognac appellation. Its soft limestone soils yield fine eaux-de-vie, valued for their ability to age for a long time. Ugni blanc, the main grape variety of this XO, finds an ideal terrain here.

The Michel Forgeron XO brings together cognacs of different ages, patiently matured for 20 to 30 years in French oak casks in the house's cellars. This long ageing brings out the evolved aromas that lovers of old cognacs look for: leather, spice, caramelised notes and rancio.

Tasting notes for the Michel Forgeron XO Cognac

Colour: deep, brilliant mahogany with golden reflections. Oily tears linger on the side of the glass.

Nose: intense and enveloping. Leather and spice open the tasting – curry, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon – before coffee and candied fruit add a gourmet, almost pastry-like touch.

Palate: round, supple and delicate despite its power. The aromas are perfectly blended and give way to caramelised notes lifted by a delicate rancio.

Finish: very long, with the aromas remaining harmoniously integrated.

How to enjoy this old cognac

Serve it neat, at room temperature, in a tulip glass that lets the aromas unfold over the minutes. It is an after-dinner cognac, to be savoured slowly. Its leather and spice profile also pairs very well with a cigar. It also makes a fine gift for a lover of old cognacs.

Technical details

• House: Michel Forgeron, Segonzac
• Appellation: Cognac
• Cru: Grande Champagne, first cru of Cognac
• Category: XO
• Ageing: blend of cognacs of different ages, aged 20 to 30 years
• Maturation: French oak casks
• Main grape variety: ugni blanc
• Terroir: soft limestone
• Alcohol content: 45% ABV
• Sizes available: 20 cl, 50 cl, 70 cl, 150 cl and 300 cl, plus a 70 cl decanter
• Origin: France

Frequently asked questions

What does "Grande Champagne" mean for a cognac?

It is the name of the first cru of the Cognac appellation. It has nothing to do with Champagne wine. Discover the six crus of Cognac.

How old are the cognacs in this XO?

It is a blend of cognacs of different ages, aged 20 to 30 years in French oak casks. It is therefore not a 30-year-old cognac: the age varies according to the eaux-de-vie blended. Learn more: ageing of cognac.

What does XO mean on a cognac bottle?

XO ("Extra Old") designates a cognac whose youngest eau-de-vie has been aged for at least 10 years in oak. Here, the blended cognacs have aged for 20 to 30 years. See what XO means.

How should the Michel Forgeron XO Cognac be served?

Neat, at room temperature, after a meal. It can also accompany a cigar. Going further: how to taste cognac.

How should an opened bottle of XO be stored?

Keep it upright, tightly resealed, away from light and heat. Cognac stops ageing once bottled and keeps very well for several years.

What goes well with this XO?

It pairs nicely with dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more), an aged Comté, walnuts or figs, or a caramelised dessert such as tarte Tatin. Its leather and spice profile also suits a cigar.