TESSERON COGNAC 'LOT 90' XO OVATION

Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne sit atop some of France's most chalky, limestone-dense soils, and it's from these two premier cognac crus that Tesseron sources all three original grape varieties — Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard — rather than relying on Ugni Blanc alone. The family has held aged reserves since 1905, storing them in 13th-century cellars at Châteauneuf-sur-Charente before launching their own label in 2003. Lot 90 ages exclusively in wider-grained Limousin oak in humid cellars, which slows oxidation and rounds the spirit. Expect fresh pear and quince on the nose shifting toward dried fruit, almonds, and a nutty, orchard-fruit palate with focused depth.