Cognac 1920 Maxim's, Caves du Restaurant

Cognac

Renowned throughout the world, the production of Cognac has been regulated by its very own AOC since 1909. Only liqueurs from eaux-de-vie made from crus from the controlled appellation area of Cognac can be labelled as such. This liqueur must be distilled and aged on-site in compliance with authorised techniques: double distillation in a copper Charentais still, ageing in oak barrels for a set minimum ageing period.

A good Cognac is subjected to a complex manufacturing process. It is never made from the eau-de-vie of a single cru, but from a `marriage' of eaux-de-vie that vary in age and cru - some as old as a hundred. To establish the age of a Cognac, only the number of years spent in oak casks or barrels are taken into account. As soon as an eau-de-vie is decanted into a glass recipient, it ceases to age. The longer it is left to age, the more a Cognac gains in complexity, fragrance, aromas and taste (spiced, pepper and cinnamon flavours).

Please note that only Cognacs made exclusively from Petite and Grande Champagne (50% minimum) can use the "Fine Champagne" appellation.

Maxim's, Caves du Restaurant

Maxim’s has been founded in Paris as a bistro in 1893 by Maxime Gaillard, formerly a waiter. It became one of the most popular and fashionable restaurants in Paris under its next owner, Eugene Cornuché. He gave the dining room its Art Nouveau decor and made sure that it was always filled with beautiful women. The restaurant was also immensely popular with the international celebrities such as Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas, the Duke of Windsor, Brigitte Bardot (she created a scandal when she entered the restaurant with bare feet), Jeanne Moreau, Barbra Streisand. Fashion designer Pierre Cardin bought Maxim’s and he created an Art Nouveau museum.