Jean Fillioux Subtle & So VSOP

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 40% | Chill filtration: Yes | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Subtil & So… VSOP combines its origins in Grande Champagne, the Premier Cru of the Cognac region, with four to six years of ageing in oak casks. It is made from Ugni Blanc grown on Cretaceous clay-limestone soils. The wine is distilled twice with its lees in a traditional Charentais still.

In the glass, the cognac has a pale gold colour. It is bottled at 40% alcohol and comes in a 0.7-litre bottle with a metal tin. Suggested food pairings include Cheddar or Bayonne ham as an aperitif accompaniment, and apple tart for dessert.

Subtil & So… VSOP received a gold medal and 95 points at the NY International Spirits Competition in 2023. That same year, the Ultimate Spirits Challenge awarded it 92 points. The cognac also won gold medals at The Cognac Masters 2022 in the VSOP Premium category and at the spirits competition of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in 2021.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: The nose is fruity, with a delicate floral scent.
• Palate: On the palate, fresh figs and citrus fruits meet rounded Muscat grape notes. Almond paste and orange blossom complement the flavour.
• Finish: The finish is warm, with a subtle spiciness.

Distillery/Bottler:

Honoré Fillioux founded his cognac house in 1880 and acquired the La Pouyade estate in Juillac-le-Coq in 1894. Christophe Fillioux has led the family business as its fifth generation since 2015. The 25 hectares of vineyards lie on sunny slopes in Grande Champagne’s so-called golden triangle. Ugni Blanc dominates the vineyard, producing wines with high acidity and low tannins for distillation.

At La Pouyade, the grapes are pressed pneumatically. Before distillation, the house waits for natural malolactic fermentation, during which malic acid is converted into lactic acid. The distilling season therefore usually begins only in December. For ageing, Christophe and Pascal Fillioux select casks directly from various Charentais coopers. They request long, slow toasting of the wood at a medium to slightly higher intensity. This selection of different casks broadens the possibilities for later blends.

Facts: