XO Cognac
What Does ‘XO’ Mean?
Curious what the letters ‘XO’ mean on a bottle of cognac? These two letters stand for ‘Extra Old’ and designate a specific age classification or the minimum time the cognac has been aged. Since 2018, all cognacs with the label ‘XO’ must be aged for at least 10 years, allowing them to develop particularly complex flavors and create their distinctive rich taste. Other terms for XO Cognac are ‘Hors d’Age’, ‘Extra’, ‘Ancestral’, ‘Ancêtre’, ‘Or’, ‘Gold’, or ‘Impérial’.
At Rémy Martin, our signature XO Cognac reveals the incredible richness of the region’s Fine Champagne terroir through a blend of up to 400 different eaux-de-vie expertly blended by our Cellar Masters. Full-bodied, complex, and opulent, this abundance of flavors creates a remarkabl tasting experience worthy of even the most special of occasions.
About Rémy Martin XO Cognac
Since 1724, the Rémy Martin house has built a legacy of revealing the essence of cognac in its most elevated forms. Our XO Cognac is the culmination of generations-worth of expertise and excellence and stands as the richest offering in our collection of Fine Champagne cognacs.
How Rémy Martin XO Cognac is Crafted
Like for all Rémy Martin cognacs, creating our XO blend begins by selecting the finest grapes harvested from the prestigious Fine Champagne cru of Cognac, France. The fermented juice from these grapes are then meticulously distilled in copper stills to create an eau-de-vie or spirit. After distillation, these eaux-de-vie are aged in French oak barrels under the careful watch of our Cellar Master. To create the iconic Rémy Martin XO Cognac, he draws on his mastery of the delicate art of blending to carefully combine hundreds of different eaux-de-vie from varying barrels. Each eau-de-vie has been aged a minimum of 10 years, but some are even older. The resulting blend is the epitome of Rémy Martin’s expert craftsmanship at every step of the way.
Rémy Martin XO Cognac Flavor Profile
Sublimely smooth with a wide aromatic palette, our XO Cognac is considered an icon, distinguished by a balanced tasting experience between freshness and intensity. First, on the nose, there is a powerful explosion of white flowers and candied fruit aromas. In the mouth, it progresses through a range of fruity flavors, from ripe plums, dried figs, and candied orange to hints of spices like nutmeg and freshly ground hazelnuts. It then lingers in the mouth with a long finish of roasted cocoa beans and honeyed gingerbread.
When to Choose XO Cognac
Relative to other cognacs, the 10-year aging requirement for XO allows an abundance of terroir notes to reveal themselves, lending it a particularly full-bodied tasting experience and an unparalleled quality. Flavors are richer, more complex, and smoother than younger cognacs in the Rémy Martin Collection. Other classifications such as VS (Very Special aged 2 years) and VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale, aged 4 years) offer entirely different flavor profiles.
Serving & Enjoying XO Cognac
Given the extended aging that goes into each bottle and its refined tasting experience, Rémy Martin XO is the ideal cognac to mark life’s most special occasions, perfect as a generous gift or savored with loved ones.
How to Enjoy XO Cognac
The best way to fully experience XO Cognac’s signature depth and complexity is to drink it neat – most commonly after a meal as a digestif. Paired with a cigar or a fine food selection that complements its tasting notes, XO elevates the occasion to a moment of utmost indulgence.
Food Pairings for XO Cognac
Such a rich cognac calls for equally rich pairings. Complement the intensity of XO Cognac with any of the following:
Pata Negra Ham, Aged Parmesan, Chocolate Truffles, Candied Orange, Foie Gras, Grilled Langoustine.
Frequently Asked Questions About XO Cognac
The difference lies in how long they are aged: a minimum of 4 years for VSOP and a minimum of 10 years for XO. This affects their flavor profiles, complexity, and smoothness.
In addition to XO (minimum age of 10 years), the other age classifications include VSOP (minimum 4 years), VS (minimum 2 years), and XXO (minimum 14 years).
Since cognac is a blend of multiple spirits aged separately, this means an XO cognac will contain a range of ages, but its youngest eau-de-vie will be at least 10 years old. Previously, the age requirement for XO cognacs was only six years.
To best preserve its distinct character for years to come, be sure to properly seal the bottle and store it upright in a cool place away from sunlight.
Yes, while XO Cognac is most often enjoyed on its own, either neat or on the rocks, its strong flavor profile can enhance simple cocktail recipes such as a cognac Old Fashioned.
Rémy Martin XO Cognac has an ABV of 40%.
This is a protected appellation as determined by the BNIC (Burau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac), referring to vineyards located within the two most prestigious crus of Cognac: Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. Rémy Martin comes from grapes exclusively grown in these two regions.
