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Vodka isn’t made out of Cognac, is it? Why have you been in Cognac with Grey Goose? Isn’t Vodka usually produced in Russia? I knew that Grey Goose vodka originally comes from France but I didn’t know the connection between Cognac and Vodka. This made me even more curious to travel into the history of the premium vodka Grey Goose and breathe in some French air.
photos – © Vicky Klieber
Le Logis GREY GOOSE
The beautiful manor house Le Logis Grey Goose is located half an hour away from the Atlantic coast. The charming little town Cognac is in a half hour distance and you’ll reach Bordeaux after a 1,5 hours’ drive. The manor house dates back to the 16th century and is full of history. The French law protects many of old manor houses, which makes it difficult for renovations. That is why the house had been renovated basing on the historic stile. This is exactly the type of vacation house for a French holiday. The French charm will lead you through the whole villa and is combined with retro glam elements. All in the colors of Grey Goose, of course! The kitchen, where we all met for breakfast, was especially cozy. You’ll feel a lot more at home living like this.
The link between COGNAC UND VODKA
But back to the connection between Cognac and Vodka! As the name implies, the region of Cognac is the only one where you’re allowed to produce Cognac. The type of grape Uni Blanc is only produced for Cognac. Soil and microclimate are the most important factors for wine making. In fact, the soil consists out of two layers. Limestone is the lower part, from which the grape gets its proteins.
The most important person in the production of Cognac is the “Maître de Chai” (engl. Cellarer). Here comes François Thibault into play. The maître de chai was raised in the region of Cognac and so to speak has spirituous liquor in his blood. He loves experimenting with incredible spirits, which involved him with the American entrepreneur Sidney Frank.
„There is no vodka in France“ „I know but the Vodka you’re gonna make doesn’t exist“
„Cognac taught me that you shouldn’t make any compromises between quality and taste!”
Grey Goose’s HISTORY in a nutshell
The history of vodka dates back to many centuries. Usually one connects vodka with Russia. The problem is that most vodkas are produced industrially and of bad quality. No premium vodkas! Sidney Frank believed in the talent of François Thibault and was sure that his knowledge would create the „World’s Best Tasting Vodka“. When Monsieur Thibault agreed, he only needed to find a way to produce it. Classic vodka is usually produced out of potatoes. “Many Russians make homemade vodka with the potatoes from their garden. But my garden was way too small”, laughed François.
„Pour une cuisine de qualité, il faut utiliser les meilleurs ingrédients“ Just like the French chef de cuisine also Maître de Chai François Thibault is persuaded that you need the best ingredients for the best quality. This is why he chose only the finest French ingredients for his vodka recipe – winter wheat from the Picardie region and pure spring water from the Gensac-La-Pallue in the region of Cognac. The production of the „World’s Best Tasting Vodka“ also needs very strict quality checks. In fact, there are 500 checks of quality daily!
Grey Goose THE TASTING
After our morning tasting of Cognac, we could finally try the various sorts of Vodka. I wasn’t familiar with flavored vodkas, which are definitely great for us women. Unfortunately, they aren’t sold in Germany but all over the USA. Here are different kinds:
GREY GOOSE La Poire
GREY GOOSE L’Orange
GREY GOOSE Le Citron
GREY GOOSE Cherry Noir
GREY GOOSE Le Melon
My absolute favorite was the GREY GOOSE Le Melon, which tastes of summer. It is also the first time that melon was added to alcohol. Another fact, which I didn’t know, is that the melons of Cavaillon are so famous. I love that France is culinary so diverse!
Men love the GREY GOOSE VX and the GREY GOOSE Ducasse a lot. The Ducasse is made out of toasted wheat and has this great roast aroma.
above François Thibault et moi
lunch in the beautiful kitchen
Œuf Florentine
Grey Goose FOODPAIRING
We ended the afternoon with a foodpairing, which was very interesting. This approves that alcohol and food harmonize perfectly. My favorite pairing was the GREY GOOSE Le Citron and a trout tartar from Gensac La Pallue on a Lemon Double cream with lime and dill.
Exkursion to COGNAC
above made Espresso Martini for the first time – so delicious!
Grey Goose LE GRAND FIZZ
Großartiger Geschmack ist die Essenz eines wunderbar gelebten Sommers, der mit dem GREY GOOSE Le Grand Fizz abgerundet wird. Erfrischend und ohne großem Aufwand zuzubereiten ist der Cocktail der ultimative Geschmack des Sommers!
Recipe LE GRAND FIZZ
ingredients:
35 ml GREY GOOSE Vodka
25 ml ST-GERMAIN elderflowers liquor
20 ml fresh pressed limejuice
70 ml cool soda water
preparation:
Give GREY GOOSE Vodka, limejuice and ST-GERMAIN in the shaker. Add ice cubes and shake for 10 – 20 seconds. Fill it into a champagne glass and add the soda water. Stir and enjoy!
The day at Le Logis Grey Goose went by way too quickly. It was such an honor to meet the man behind Grey Goose, François Thibault. A big thank you to Grey Goose, which made this possible!
I wish you a wonderful day!
LE LOGIS GREY GOOSE
Drink responsibly! No alcohol under 18 years!
