Jean Fillioux
France
Each year in October, 5th generation owner Christophe Fillioux harvests the Ugni Blanc grapes from his 63 acre vineyard, makes the wine and distills it in his classic alembic stills. After carefully selecting barrels from the cooperage, the young distillate is put to rest for 2 years, absorbing maximum tannins and color. Then comes the “secret”: day after day, month after month, year after year, Christophe Fillioux, and his father Pascal, can be found in their cellars sniffing, breathing, tasting, making notes, re-tasting, blending, moving barrels, and listening to his cognacs growing older and older. It’s like a ballet in wood and darkness where only he can hear the music. The results are just sublime, undeniable proof that Pascal Fillioux well deserves his reputation as “Magician of Aromas” that the region has given him.