Quality designation or indication of the maturation period for spirits with a particularly long maturation period. In the case of cognac, this applies to products that are at least six years old, but can be up to 100 years old. The name was introduced by the Cognac house Courvoisier when the French Emperor Napoleon (1769-1821) abdicated in 1814 and wanted to emigrate to the USA. A special cognac was provided for him for this purpose. However, the name is also used by many producers of Armagnac and Calvados for their best products.
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena