Raymond Ragnaud’s Cognac Legacy: A Journey into Authenticity

For over 150 years, the Raymond Ragnaud family has nurtured a vineyard in Grande Champagne, passing down their passion and expertise from one generation to the next. Founded in 1860, the vineyard has flourished under the stewardship of the Ragnaud family, growing in size and reputation before being entrusted to a new lineage determined to carry on the remarkable work initiated by its founders.

Upon taking over the business, Raymond Ragnaud’s wife embarked on a journey of expansion, acquiring additional vineyard properties in Ambleville, Criteuil-la-Magdeleine, and Lignières-Sonneville. She also began to explore international markets, establishing the Raymond Ragnaud brand in esteemed establishments such as Fauchon, Hédiard, La Grande Épicerie, Michelin-starred restaurants like La Tour d’Argent, prestigious hotels like the Ritz, and renowned wine shops like Caves Legrand.

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In the 1980s, Françoise Ragnaud, the daughter of Raymond Ragnaud, joined the company, further solidifying its position in the French market. Through her efforts, the Raymond Ragnaud cognacs gained recognition among connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. However, by the end of the 2010s, the absence of a successor within the family necessitated the passing on of the House.

In the quest to ensure the continuation of the Raymond Ragnaud legacy, a new family was sought to take the reins and carry forward the adventure of crafting exceptional cognacs. Committed to tradition and the French art of living, the new owners are resolute in preserving the House’s principles while expanding its global reputation. Driven by their passion, they embark on this journey with a solid foundation, poised to write the next chapter of the taste and refinement odyssey that began in 1860.

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The Raymond Ragnaud vineyard caters to the most discerning connoisseurs, with its designation as the first growth of the Grande Champagne region. The estate boasts old vines that yield cognacs capable of withstanding the test of time. Additionally, the inclusion of the “folle blanche” grape variety enables the production of a unique collection of vintage cognacs, while the recent introduction of the “colombard” grape variety diversifies and enhances the aromatic personality of the crus.

The production of Raymond Ragnaud cognacs adheres strictly to the appellation’s criteria, ensuring that the essence of Grande Champagne is captured in each bottle. Sincerity is taken to the extreme in the collection of vintage cognacs, which are crafted as naturally as possible, almost raw, without the influence of wood or sugar, and without chilling or filtration under pressure.

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This meticulous approach, grounded in over a century of savoir-faire, enables the House to offer a comprehensive range of cognacs and “pineaux des Charentes”. Notably, the collection includes a remarkable reserve of vintage cognacs, uninterrupted since 1990 for “ugni blanc” and since 2003 for “folle blanche”. This unique collection serves as a testament to the House’s dedication to time and the natural evolution of its spirits.

The “ugni blanc” grape variety, renowned as the king grape of cognac, thrives in the Raymond Ragnaud vineyards. Perfectly suited for producing light, acidic white wines that serve as the ideal base for the eaux-de-vie destined to become cognac, it is predominantly utilized. Furthermore, the House has planted the “folle blanche” grape variety, which produces eaux-de-vie with powerful aromas, resulting in a harmonious spirit after distillation.