Our Philosophy
“Domaines Francis Abécassis consists of 4 vineyards in three most prestigious crus: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois. Leyrat Cognacs are produced 100% from the Fins Bois cru. A collection of fine, elegant Cognacs whose creation we have followed from the vine to the glass. Our Single Estate Cognac philosophy guarantees meticulous monitoring by our teams, at our Domaine in Claix, Charente”.
Le Single Estate Cognac
We proudly advocate the Single Estate Cognac philosophy.The entire process of creating our Leyrat Cognacs is carried out on the estate by our teams.102 hectares of vines grown, vinified, distilled, aged, blended and bottled entirely on the estate.A team of 60 people carefully monitor each stage, to guarantee the exceptional quality and singular identity of our Leyrat Cognacs and Pineaux des Charentes.
Domaine Leyrat is located in the Fins Bois cru. A territory that comprises no less than 40% of of Cognac vineyards. The chalky soil gives rise to elegant, floral eaux-de-vie.
102 hectares carefully cultivated by our teams to respect the biodiversity of the land. Domaines Francis has been awarded the Trophées Cognac Vignoble Engagé – Biodiversité in 2023.
Vinification
We are proud to be able to follow the entire creation cycle of our Leyrat Cognacs and Pineaux. At the estate, we harvest our individual parcels when they are perfectly ripe, and press them immediately to extract the best juice without the risk of oxidation. While still on the estate, our grapes are then vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. It’s at this stage that the magic of fermentation takes place, transforming the juice into white wine: this is Vinification. Then it’s time for Distillation!
Distillation
“Our Master Distiller, Daniel, uses our three typical 1971 Charentais stills to transform our white wines into eaux-de-vie. Distillation is an intense and magical period, lasting from October to March.
The wine passes through the alambic twice: this is called double distillation. Thanks to the expertise of our Distiller, the eau-de-vie becomes transparent, concentrating aromas and alcohol.
It is finally ready to be aged in our French oak barrels.”
The ageing process
“It’s inside our barrels that our eaux-de-vie slowly reveal their color and aromas. All the aromatic characteristics of our Leyrat Cognacs are perfected thanks to the tannins in our barrels, which are well preserved on the estate. More than 2,000 barrels of coarse-grained Limousin oak are allocated to the 11 ageing cellars on the estate. At Maillard, some of them contain century-old cognacs.
Blending
Once the eaux-de-vie have reached maturity, they are blended by our Cellar Master. This rigorous process creates our range of Leyrat, VS, VSOP and XO Cognacs, as well as some exceptional vintages.
Bottling
Bottling is also carried out on the estate. Our oldest eaux-de-vie are placed in exceptional decanters. These precious bottles are meticulously hand-labeled by our dedicated team.
Our boutique
“All year round, we welcome you to Domaine Leyrat. The opportunity to discover a family estate, surrounded by its timeless vines, and offering for tasting and sale, a range of 100% Single Estate Cognacs and Pineaux.”
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Francis Abécassis - Owner