Fine Island Cognac is a blend where marine freshness meets the roundness of wood. A Rais Cognac where the ocean sets the tone.
On the western border of the Cognac appellation, the vines of Île de Ré draw on a terroir shaped by sea spray, sea winds and limestone and sandy soils. With Fine Island Cognac, Maison Camus takes this island identity further by creating a blend exclusively from the island, where iodized freshness meets the roundness of toasted wood. Developed by Julie Landreau, cellar master of the House, this cognac with a strong maritime personality aims to seduce lovers of unique spirits.
Fine Island Cognac, the expression of a terroir between land and sea
On the Île de Ré, the vineyard covers around 500 hectares, almost half of which is devoted to Cognac. Exposure to sea spray, Atlantic winds and the natural presence of iodine and kelp contribute to the uniqueness of this terroir from the Cru des Bois à terroirs. It is this signature that Camus places at the heart of Fine Island, composed exclusively of eaux-de-vie from Relais vineyards.
The Maison has been working on this island origin for several years. Fine Island is continuing its research around its Île de Ré cognac, but also Île de Ré Double Matured and Dark and Stormy, by accentuating the maritime markers that make these eaux-de-vie special: iodine, freshness and a minerality evocative of the coastline.
An assembly worked down to detail
To compose Fine Island, Julie Landreau brings together three complementary eaux-de-vie. A part of cognac from Île de Ré, distilled on lees according to a practice dear to the House, brings depth and aromatic complexity. A small proportion comes from Dark and Stormy, while a 10 count brandy, called Xynthia, reinforces the saline character of the whole.
The woodworking then comes with precision. Part of the blend stays for at least a month in heavily milled oak barrels using the Char 4 method, the most intense toasting. Weekly tastings make it possible to determine the appropriate time to interrupt this aging. The wood then brings toasted nuances, sweet spices and a touch of vanilla, without masking the freshness of the terroir.
A fresh, round and persistent tasting
On the nose, Fine Island reveals a fresh, fruity and iodized profile. The palate is round and fresh, punctuated with notes of caramel. In the finish, the spicy, salty, toasted and grilled accents linger persistently. A balance between maritime tension and woody indulgence, which gives this cognac a personality of its own.
“The most accomplished Île de Ré cognacs. The goal was to keep the tracers of the Île de Ré that we like to find by accentuating them – the iodine and the freshness – by bringing back a woody side which does not take over. »
Julie Landreau, cellar master at Maison Camus
It can be enjoyed chilled, on ice or in a cocktail, as desired. Presented in a 70 cl bottle accompanied by an illustrated case, Fine Island joins the Les Hussards de Camus range, alongside the VSOP Borderies, XO Borderies and Île de Ré cognacs.
Camus Fine Island Cognac is available in wine merchants and on the Camus online store, at a price of €47 per bottle.
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