Paul Giraud VSOP Grande Champagne Cognac is an artisanal, small-estate Cognac from the Paul Giraud family estate in Bouteville, bottled at 40% ABV in a 700ml bottle. Made entirely from Grande Champagne — Cognac's classified Premier Cru — the eaux-de-vie in this blend average around 8 years old, double the legal VSOP minimum, matured in Limousin oak in particularly humid cellars that intensify flavour and aroma. Honey-gold with amber highlights, it delivers butterscotch, baked apple and caramel character with a spicy, long finish, scoring 92 points from Wine Enthusiast.

Paul Giraud VS Cognac Grande Champagne Tasting Notes.

Nose: Earthy and woody tones layered with warm baking spices and fresh grape, opening with extended air to reveal butterscotch, dried peach and subtle floral notes.

Palate: Smooth and creamy, with initial sweetness of vanilla and baked apple transitioning to buttery caramel and honey.

Finish: Long and spicy, marked by cinnamon warmth and elegant astringency.

Why Choose Paul Giraud VS Cognac Grande Champagne?

Paul Giraud's VSOP genuinely over-delivers for its category — the eaux-de-vie blended into it average around 8 years old, double the legal minimum for VSOP, aged in Limousin oak in particularly humid cellars that many Cognac connoisseurs believe intensifies flavour and aroma more than drier ageing conditions. One respected reviewer specifically noted it "could compete with younger XO's no problem," citing complexity, finesse and a rustic earthiness rarely found at VSOP level. Scoring 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, it's built entirely from Grande Champagne fruit — Cognac's classified Premier Cru — and the Giraud family's own history stretches back to 1635, with Paul Jean Giraud representing the 10th generation to lead the estate. The house avoids artificial colouring entirely, letting natural barrel ageing alone determine the honey-gold hue in the glass. It's an excellent introduction to genuine small-estate Cognac for drinkers who want to understand aromatic evolution before moving up to Paul Giraud's older Napoleon, Tres Rare or XO releases, and makes a superb base for a classic Sidecar or Brandy Alexander.

About Paul Giraud.

Cognac Paul Giraud is a family-owned estate in Bouteville, in the heart of Grande Champagne, with winegrowing roots tracing back to around 1650 — nearly four centuries of continuous family stewardship. Paul Jean Giraud, born in 1952, represents the 10th generation to lead the domain, having founded the modern Cognac Paul Giraud brand alongside his father in 1975. The estate's vineyards sit entirely within Grande Champagne, Cognac's classified Premier Cru, in the shadow of the historic Château of Montmorency-Bouteville, and Paul Giraud is widely regarded by specialists as one of the finest representatives of authentic, single-vintage Grande Champagne Cognac, producing a range spanning from 6-year to 60-year-old releases.