Georges Fransac Grande Champagne Extra Lot N°34 45,5%
Another Criteuil gem?
There are many overlaps between G. Fransac and Vallein Tercinier. G. Fransac – or Roullet Fransac – was originally established at Domaine des Forges in Chermignac, which happens to be the current home of VT’s cellars. C. Dupuis, VT, Fransac, Audry… many names linked to the same place, suggesting intertwined and partly forgotten stories. So, what about this G. Fransac Lot 34? A Grande Champagne from Criteuil, distilled in 1934, a pedigree we might already be familiar with. 45.5%. Let’s go!
Colour: Dark amber with orange lights. Irregular heavy tears.
Nose: Very intense rancio from the start. Distinct notes of precious wood, typical of 1920/30s cognacs. Wet undergrowth merges with blackcurrant jam. Immediate finesse. Gentle freshness on licorice and breakfast tea. Perfect balance between freshness and cooked fruit, reminiscent of some great Capovilla eaux-de-vie. Rich honeyed tones in the background. Obvious oak influence but beautifully integrated, like a veil of wet rancio floating over a vivid lake of acidulous fruit.
Palate: Oily texture. Opulent cola-sweet notes at first. Deep roasted aromas of ristretto, followed by a burst of fruit: papaya, passion fruit. Slight oak bitterness in the aftertaste, but lifted by high-acidity tones of guava and lemon gum. Hints of sugariness in the background.
Last Notes: Nutmeg powder and infused-sage butter. Highly intellectual. Profound depth. Slightly dusty with air. Heady leathery notes emerge, recalling Tom Ford’s Tuscan Leather perfume, with quince jam in the background. Back on the palate, a generous mix of marzipan and licorice. It finishes on dry herbal notes: rosemary, fresh mint. Darker and oakier than both the Grosperrin GC N°34 and Vallein Tercinier Grand Rue 34.
A magnificent eau-de-vie: complex, deep, and remarkably expressive. Extreme finesse on the nose, heavy rancio on the palate. It misses just a hint of precision and funkiness to reach the 91-93 league (and a little less of sugariness on the palate), but it remains a stunning cognac. A heartfelt thanks to the Criteuil terroir for yielding such treasures.
My very subjective note: 90/100
More info about Roullet-Fransac
Cheers L!
Nice review. You mention Criteuil and I have read your interview with Mr. Grosperrin and therefore I have following question: are there Cognac books about Terroir/Villages? Or even on a Vineyard level? Like when you want to “Nerd” with the topic like for instance in Burgundy wines/Mosel Riesling? There are old books about “best places” in Mosel vineyards, which are quite interesting. Thank your for your response!
Thanks! You have a few books about cognac terroirs, but not as precise as wine bibles that you can find for Burgundy. About the Borderies and GC crus, you’ve got Michel Guillard’s books. But imho, the best way to understand terroir is to taste, visit, taste, visit…And do not hesitate if you have other questions!