Written by Peter Brooker in Food & Drink on the 12th July 2016

For the first time in its rich history Remy Martin opened its cellar doors to the media for the unveiling of Rémy Martin Carte Blanche à Baptiste Loiseau, a new exclusive edition of 7,000 bottles, all presented in the re-edition of the original Rémy Martin Charentaise bottle, dating back to the end of the 19th century. It is more than 20 years old and bottled at the percentage proof naturally occurring in the vat to preserve its original attributes: 41.1%.

Baptiste Loiseau, Cellar Master at Rémy Martin since 2014, was born in Cognac and has drawn upon horticultural skills handed down from his grandparents as well the many years studying under his predecessor Pierrette Trichet. “The very essence of a cognac house is its continuity. Every day we work thanks to the heritage which has been handed down to us.” - Baptiste Loiseau.

The Rémy Martin Carte Blanche à Baptiste Loiseau celebrates the Cognac Fine Champagne quality of the House and its historic dedication to this exclusive blend of Grande and Petite Champagne comprising at least 50% Grande Champagne. This dedication dates back to 1848, when Paul-Emile Rémy-Martin decided to blend cognacs from Grande and Petite Champagne, creating the very first Cognac Fine Champagne. Exactly a century later, in 1948, the House took a decisive turn under his successor, André Renaud: Rémy Martin would only sell Fine Champagne Cognac. MenswearStyle managed to get some time with the Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau himself whilst on our trip.

What was the process like for you discovering Carte Blanche?  

“It is of course a blind tasting, after a many number of days and sleepless nights for myself and the farmers of the vineyards. I was searching for something that represents the epitome of the taste and spirit of Remy Martin. I took the sample home with me. I wanted to experience it in my home, with no music, no distractions.” 

What was it from that initial sample that first drew you in? 

“It was the intensity. It was complex yet elegant, this cognac reveals spicy nutmeg notes combined with intense aromas of black tea and aged leather. It has a smooth and remarkable style which is quintessentially Remy Martin, it represents the epitome of the taste and spirit of Remy Martin.”

What is your favourite Remy Martin cocktail? 

“For me my favourite cocktail is the Sidecar. It is a classic Remy Martin cocktail, the orange liqueur really pushes through the fruitier notes, delivers elegance and resembles the true signature of the house.” 

There were many highlights of the tour, the theatrical tasting of Rémy Martin Carte Blanche à Baptiste Loiseau in the dim lit cellars, the picturesque walk from the village to the cellar of Gensac-La-Pallue, the opulent white dinner hosted at Remy Martin's “Le Club” exquisitely prepared and decadently presented by Chef Phillippe Saint-Romas with products of the terroir. However, two lasting memories were the balloon ride overlooking the glorious vineyards and the exclusive visit to the 'hidden room' within the headquarters of Remy Martin. Unfortunately, yet understandably, press were not permitted to take photographs but it was a real treat to see some of the eclectic bottles - the oldest dating back to 1811, still with some Cognac left inside.

Rémy Martin Carte Blanche à Baptiste Loiseau will exclusively launch on 26th September at La Maison Remy Martin in Manchester in the UK and will have an RRSP of £290. This will then be available in November throughout the UK.

We speak with the current Cellar Master at Rémy Martin Baptiste Loiseau about his new Carte Blanche Fine Champagne Cognac.