LOUIS XIII Tasting Aboard Prestige Yachts 590S Coupé

In partnership with Remy Martin, this weekend we offered an immersive tasting experience of LOUIS XIII cognac aboard our 2021 Prestige Yachts 590S. Prestige Yachts built in the heart of the Vendée region, in the shipyards of Les Herbiers, France, more than 30 fields centered on artisanship and precision work contribute to the design and manufacturing of PRESTIGE yachts. Multiple generations and multiple fields of expertise come together all with one desire, to perfect function and beauty. It is only fitting that we chose a Prestige as the ultimate surrounding for this experience. 

Not too far south from Les Herbiers situated on the banks of the Charente River, the Cognac region of France is divided into six different crus (cru is the French term for growth zones): Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bon Bois and Bois Ordinaire. The Grande Champagne cru, which comprises approximately 34,000 hectares, is known for its quiet hills and rich, chalky soil, and is considered to produce the finest cognac in the region.

LOUIS XIII Cognac is unique in a multitude of ways — to start, Rémy Martin (the producers of LOUIS XIII) harvests grapes from the Grande Champagne cru, then distills “on lees,” referring to the solids left over from pressing the grapes. This lends a more concentrated character to the final product, and Rémy Martin is the only producer to do this.

Then, the resulting eau de vie (French for “water of life”) is aged in French Limousin oak casks that have been cut, aged for two years, charred and formed to the exact specifications necessary for crafting LOUIS XIII. As the liquid ages, it is transferred to older and older barrels, moving constantly from one cellar to the next in order to create just the right climate for aging.

Finally, to create the traditional LOUIS XIII Cognac, over 1,200 different types of Grand Champagne eaux de vie are blended together, with the youngest eau de vie being 40 years old and the oldest being over 100 years old. Given this astounding aging process, each bottle of LOUIS XIII has been stewarded by at least three generations of cellar masters from Rémy Martin.

The LOUIS XIII cognac ceremonial tasting ritual begins with the eyes. Release your LOUIS XIII decanter from its elegant coffret and allow the light to flood through the glass, highlighting the deep amber and mahogany hues, indicative of eaux-de-vie that have been aged in oak barrels.

The decanter is itself a sight to behold. With a unique shape based on a 16th-century flask found on a battlefield in Jarnac, France, each decanter is individually crafted and hand-finished with a stunning fleur-de-lys stopper.

Once poured, hold the glass at arm’s length, noting the rich hues and smooth sheen of this precious liquid. Then, bring the glass slowly towards your nose in increments, experiencing the light floral bouquet that gives way to more intense notes of wood and spice just as floral notes of dried rose with honeysuckle and jasmine. Then come fabulous notes of preserved fruits.

Now, there is a way of drinking LOUIS XIII. You savor one drop at a time, one single drop and let it crack between your lips. This will prepare your palate. Circulate the rich liquid around your mouth to fully appreciate the wave of individual floral, fruit and spice notes that burst onto the palate, evoking myrrh, honey, dried roses, plum, figs, leather and more. 

Take a second drop. It’s a firework of aromas and flavors in just one drop: honey, fungi, walnut, …. And the texture, silky texture. The long finish ensures the LOUIS XIII cognac tasting ritual will not be short-lived, with bold flavours including jasmine, saffron and cigar box continuing to evolve on your palate for at least an hour after the first sip.

It holds aromatic crests and peaks. They rise in swells, each one echoing the next. The body is complex, so rich, so intense but not too heavy; it‘s in the air. Let the multi-layered notes transport you through the history of the cognac, sparking your own deep-rooted memories along the way.

Raise a glass of LOUIS XIII cognac, it’s only fitting that the clinking together of two dedicated LOUIS XIII cognac crystal glasses produces a unique sound – a clear and lingering G-sharp note. It’s a discernible reminder that this is no ordinary toast, and this is no ordinary cognac.

The setting was absolutely perfection enjoying LOUIS XIII using all of our senses, but it was ultimately enhanced surrounded by the luxurious finishes of Prestige Yachts and 360 degree vision providing exceptional sights of Chicago's skyline as our backdrop for the evening. 

This new model is infused with Prestige values, adopting an elegant and sporty look. Its sleek lines and powerful hull accentuate the dynamic look and ensure reliable performance and excellent seakeeping.  From the drawing boards of Garroni Design, comes the Prestige 590S a unique combination of refined living spaces and sleek design. 

The Prestige 590S offers many living spaces, ensuring enjoyment and livability on board. Thanks to her spacious and luxurious layout, comfort and conviviality are guaranteed. This new PRESTIGE includes a unique Sportfly, combining the sleek lines of the S-line, with the functionally and comfort of a flybridge.  A full-featured helm station provides a fresh perspective and an exceptional driving experience.

Inside, you will find a saloon bathed in natural light, thanks to the opening sunroof. The Prestige 590S, mixes sporty looks with a cozy and refined atmosphere. This new yacht is perfectly in line with the SportYachts concept pioneered by Prestige Yachts.