Why it matters
The producer
Before the Landier family acquired the property, Benedictine monks of the Royal Abbey of Bassac had cultivated its vineyard and distillery for over 250 years. Domaine Rémi Landier is now stewarded by Géraldine Landier as a fifth generation Cognac house. Its Cognacs come from Ugni Blanc, a white grape variety prized for producing a fresh base wine suitable for distillation.
The portfolio centres on Cognac, with Pineau des Charentes and Charente vin de pays also included. The house works across several forms of Charentais production, from young VS Cognac through VSOP and XO to longer matured family reserves.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The property stands at 133 Rue de Châteauneuf in Rouillac, within the Fins Bois region of Cognac. Fins Bois is a Cognac growing region, and the local clay limestone ground gives the spirits a softer, fruitier profile than nearby Grande Champagne.
Rouillac is therefore tied to both the label and the style. The place supplies the base for Ugni Blanc Cognac with a rounded fruit profile, while the house's separate Pineau des Charentes and Charente vin de pays products extend the portfolio beyond distilled spirits.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
Ugni Blanc is the primary grape. Its wine is distilled on the lees, meaning the fine sediment left after fermentation remains present during distillation. This technique can add body and aroma to the spirit.
The Cognacs mature in French oak from Limousin and Allier. Oak ageing gives the spirit time to soften while contributing colour and spice. Réserve Familiale is aged for a minimum of 20 years in oak, placing it well beyond the younger categories in the range.
Wines to know
The range in view
The Cognac range is organised through three familiar categories: VS, VSOP and XO. VS sits at the younger end, VSOP occupies the middle position, and XO represents the more developed standard expression. Réserve Familiale forms a separate family reserve with extended oak ageing.
The portfolio also includes Pineau des Charentes and Charente vin de pays. These bottles sit outside the VS, VSOP and XO Cognac sequence, giving the house both distilled spirits and other Charentais products.