NORMANDIN - MERCIER

Who are we

NORMANDIN-MERCIER: Where savoir-faire shines through In Dompierre Sur Mer, a village not far from La Rochelle, is the estate of Normandin-Mercier Cognac. The house was founded in 1872 by Jules Normandin. Today it’s headed by his great-great grandson, Edouard Normandin, and is one of the few remaining family run Cognac houses in the region. A true family affair The estate itself is rich in history. The 17th century Château La Péraudière was a hunting lodge, with the cellars being a later addition when the Cognac house was launched. Distillation was also carried out on the estate right up until the inter-war period. Today the eau-de-vie are aged and blended in the cellars, which hold the secrets of five generations. Jules Normandin with financial help of his wife Justine Mercier creates the business. Therefore it was only natural for him to add her family name onto the labels when production was started. And so the Normandin-Mercier brand was created. A very special location The geographic location of Normandin Mercier’s estate in the Bois Ordinaire, along with its mild coastal climate, is just one of the factors that makes their Cognacs so special. It’s easy to imagine the mist and breeze from the ocean breathing its secrets into the barrels, which without a doubt has an influence throughout the complete ageing process. Ancient oak forests grow within the grounds of La Péraudière Château. And the casks used to create the house’s namesake Cognac, La Péraudière, are made from this home-grown wood. A lovely backstory about what is truly a very special Cognac. With sales of 35 000 bottles a year, of which more than 75% is sold to the export market, the company is keen to share their story, knowledge, and passion. Visitors to the estate not only learn about how Cognac is made, but get to journey through the realms of history, visiting the cellars and all the sensory delights such an ancient environment brings. This ends with the thrill of the Paradis Cellar, a place where the most treasured family eaux-de-vie is stored, followed by the chance to sample a selection of Normandin Mercier’s wares. You may even get lucky and get the chance to taste something outstanding, such as the Normandin Mercier Petite Champagne 1976 Cognac, a single vintage, single vineyard classic. Like a precious heirloom that’s handed down from generation to generation, Normandin-Mercier is delightfully traditional, and for many unheard of, house is proud to bring these old eaux de vie to your attention. It’s a brand that will delight, amaze, and- once tried- will have you returning time and again to sample more of their wares.