Normandin-Mercier Cognac

Since 1872, five generations have contributed to the development of the prestigious Normandin-Mercier Cognacs. The family has build its fame by perfecting the art of blending and ageing cognacs in an exceptional geographical site on their estate, the Domaine de La Péraudière. Today the cellars operate under the stewardship of 5th generation siblings, Edouard and Audrey Normandin.

What makes Normandin-Mercier so unique?

The Crus: For decades, the family Normandin-Mercier has been buying young cognacs from the same handful of producers in the crus of Petite Champagne and Grande Champagne only.

The Grapes: Normandin-Mercier cognacs are made with about 90% Ugni Blanc, and 10% of Colombard and Folle Blanche, a very rare and unique blend compared to other cognacs.

The Cellars: Normandin-Mercier cognacs are matured in the family chateau’s traditional cellars near the town of La Rochelle, the historic medieval port that made Cognac famous  many centuries ago. The proximity of the ocean, the natural regulation of hygrometry and oceanic temperature all favor the ageing of the cognacs, giving them fullness, elegance and a unique character. 

The Production: 25,000 bottles per year

It’s important to note that Normandin-Mercier cognacs contain no artificial coloring and are not subject to a cold filtration in order to preserve a total purity of the aromas and flavors.

VSOP Petite Champagne

Tasting Highlights

7 years minimum.

Brilliant, clear, beautiful and luminous golden amber color and look.

Subtle floral nose, honeysuckle and violet.

Subtly spicy with a touch of licorice.

Lively cognac perfect for long drink and cocktails.

Reviews

97 points 
"This delicious and delicate Cognac opens with a distinctly nutty aroma. The palate unfolds pecan and almond, plus vanilla sweetness that lingers into the complex finish. Subtle white flower and pear mingle with ginger and clove on the graceful exhale." (Wine Enthusiast 2023)

93 points
"Golden and light in the glass, this Cognac offers rich, powerful aromas of caramel, dulce de leche and ripe banana. The buttery palate opens with vanilla cookie and tropical fruit, finishing with sprinkles of cayenne and cocoa. Petite Champagne region, minimum seven years old." (Wine Enthusiast, 2019)

Gold Medal (International Spirits Challenge, 2018)

92 points (Wine Enthusiast, 2013)

VSOP Organic Petite Champagne

Tasting Highlights

This VSOP has 7 years of aging in cask, it is young, fruity and of moderate length in the mouth. Perfect for aperitif, pure or long drink. To be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

100% Petite Champagne

Certified organic

Grape varieties: Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard Blanc

Nose: Iris, sandalwood, pear, violet, and cocoa beans

Palate: Pleasant on the palate with notes of hay and violet; fruity and floral through to the finish.

Prestige Fine Champagne

Tasting Highlights

15 years minimum.

Blend of Grande Champagne (brings sharpness and length) and Petite Champagne (subtlety, delicacy and sweetness).

Flavors of fruits, almond and plum with a rich and fat, but clean finish.

Aged 2 years in 350L new barrels, then moved a 600L barrels.

Reviews

96 points / Best of 2017 / Top 100 Spirits on 2017
"Nuanced and complex, this shows a floral lilt up front, segueing into more substantial vanilla and honey aromas. The palate is relatively dry, with cocoa and leather  lightening to ginger spice and hints of tropical fruit." (Wine Enthusiast, 2017) 

Excellent 93 points and Finalist (2012 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, New York)

Gold Medal (International Review of Spirits, BTI, 2012) 

XO Grande Champagne

Tasting Highlights

30 years minimum.

Full and soft spirit although preserves a certain ardor thanks to its ageing in red barrels. 

Gold supported with amber reflections.  

Nose: dried fruits along with hazelnut and almonds, candied fruits, citrus fruits, cinnamon, vanilla, honey, and toffee.  
Flavor: rancio (Porto), smoked, chocolate, cereal (brioche), vegetable (dry spices, light tobacco), Woody. 
Mouth: ample and round. Complex, ample, elegant. To sample quietly. 

Reviews

95 points, Finalist
“This stately brandy shows a soaring nose of raspberry butter pastry, vanilla nougat, honeyed figs, and dried golden flowers. the palate is lush and decadent filling the mouth with preserved fruit flavors and a long elegant finish.” - (Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2022)

4 stars. Highly recommended.
“Beautiful mahogany color; flawless clarity. First aromatic impressions are of old books/library, hard cheese, moss, and shiitake mushroom, which leads me to think “rancio”; secondary whiffs offer traces of lead pencil, flint, caramel custard/flan, egg white, baked apricot, and toffee. Entry is mineral-like and earthy dry at first, then the flavors open up by midpalate, going more towards breakfast cereal with dried fruit, pipe tobacco and nutmeg. Concludes medium long in the throat, biscuity, toffee-like, and gently ripe and sweet.” (Paul Pacult, The New Kindred Spirits, 2021)

91 points
"Like candy in a glass, this bold brandy overflows with butterscotch and caramel notes and finishes with ginger, cinnamon and candied-lemon peel accents. A delectable pairing with crème brûlée or other creamy desserts, or poured over ice cream." (Wine Enthusiast, 2013)

1976 Ocean Aged Petite Champagne

Tasting Highlights

Cask strength, 43%

Lovers of the ocean, Audrey and Edouard Normandin gave 44 bottles of the 1976 vintage to the sea, immersing them for fourteen months in the Iroise Sea.

Well-balanced, fine, and supple in nose, as in mouth, with aromas of lily and bark of orange and a pronounced salinity.

Rare Grande Champagne

Tasting Highlights

50 years old

Patience and years permitted this Cognac to become suppler and to concentrate its aromas in order to express all the length and the elegance of the Grande Champagne.

Aromas of orange peel, dried fruits, brioche and spices. Soft and long on the palate with delicate notes of grapes, apricots and oak.

Christmas Cognac Petite Champagne

Tasting Highlights

This Petite Champagne originates from an old family reserve handed down from father to son beginning with the house's creation in 1872 by Edouard Normandin's great, great grandfather, Jules Normandin. 

This special and rare cuvee is bottled especially for Christmas from an specially-selected oak cask. 

Pineau des Charentes

This five year old Pineau is a perfect example of how Pineau des Charentes should taste! Enjoy it as an aperitif chilled, on the rocks, mixed with a bit of tonic water or have some fun experimenting with it behind the bar. It also goes well with foie gras, blue cheese or with almost any dessert.

Press

  • La Rochelle Hotel de Ville. Laura Motta/Lonely Planet

    A first-time guide to Cognac, France

    J. Normandin-Mercier, located just outside La Rochelle, has been in the same cognac-making family for five generations. With a chicly rustic tasting room and the family dogs lounging in the courtyard, a visit here feels like a peek into a private family estate. They also produce pineau de Charentes, a jewel-toned fortified wine that’s served across the region as an aperitif.

    Lonely Planet
  • Preview page of French Brandy article with a bottle lineup below the title

    Essential French Brandies: A Primer

    A lot of questions abound about French brandies, especially Armagnac and Calvados. But myths and misconceptions arise even around France’s most famous Brandy export, Cognac.

    Chilled Magazine
  • Close-up on label of Normandin-Mercier VSOP Cognac

    8 VSOP Cognacs to Drink Right Now

    Normandin Mercier 7 VSOP

    This delicious and delicate Cognac opens with a distinctly nutty aroma. The palate unfolds pecan and almond, plus vanilla sweetness that lingers into the complex finish. Subtle white flower and pear mingle with ginger and clove on the graceful exhale.

    97 Points — Kara Newman

    Wine Enthusiast
  • Collection of cork-toped samples of cognac with large barrel in the background, honeyed lighting

    Ready to Take Your Cognac Game to the Next Level?

    Another noticeable trend has been the uptick in single-vintage bottlings—a rarity in Cognac. But Normandin-Mercier (1976), Maison Surrenne (1975), Jean Grosperrin (1991) all dipped into the Paradis—the cave where rare brandies usually are stored—and released some of the best Cognacs you’ll see in your glass this year.

    Wine Enthusiast
  • Champagne flute and white wine on silver serving tray

    Ask A Somm: Which Aperitif Wines Are Best Before a Holiday Meal?

    Kick off dinner with one of these aperitif wines.

    Eater
  • Article screenshot featuring an upside-down copper pineapple glass

    Discovering Pineau

    French aperitif Pineau des Charentes is gaining ground as a cocktail component

    Market Watch
  • Man in a brandy cellar smelling a glass of cognac as seen through a window

    Spirit of the Age

    A connoisseur’s guide to the complex world of cognacs

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