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Torula NewsGlobal News & Headlines |
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Torula NewsGlobal News & Headlines |
July 1999
| 30/07/99 | Cognac&Blues - Day 2 at the Blues Passions in Cognac | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 29/07/99 | Cognac&Blues - Day 1 at the Blues Passions in Cognac - a stunning performance by Buddy Guy highlighted opening day where CognacTonic at F15 per serving flew freely. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 29/07/99 | Cognac, an independent guide to the people, the product and the region is now available at Cognac Rémy Martin at Merpins in Cognac | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 29/07/99 | Many bars in the region are signing up to be "Les Ambassadeurs du Cognac", a new promotion from BNIC. This idea, though global rather than regional, was extensively written in the "Cognac, an independent guide to the people, the product and the region" recently published by the Torula News Chief Correspondent. A coincidence? (Sud-Ouest28/07, Torula News) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 28/07/99 | Cognac&Blues - an interview with a painter and a writer Patrick Delaunay, a blues aficionado, who currently exhibits in Cognac. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 28/07/99 | New update at the Université Internationale des eaux-de-vie et boissons spiritueuses web page produced at the University by Elisabeth. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2807/99 | Amateur Cognac Tasting Society is holding its fourth Cognac tasting this year at Cognac Forgeron. It is a fourth sell out this year, as well. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 25/07/99 | The sixth annual Blues Passions Festival will be held in Cognac between 29 July and 1st August. For details go to http://www.bluespassions.com Starting Wednesday, 28/07, Torula News will report daily on the Blues Passions activities. Click on Cognac&Blues for more. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 25/07/99 | "Entre Vignes et Soleil" in Siecq. On Wednesday, 4/08 the small village of Siecq (on the D939 between Matha and Rouillac) is inviting all for a day in the vineyards with bi-lingual guided tours, tasting (Cognac, Pineau, Vins de Pays Charentais) at the Cave du Liboreau and a dinner of regional specialties in the evening. This day in the vineyards and chais should exceed last year's success. To reserve in English call +33(0)5 46 26 62 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 25/07/99 | Tour de France, the world's greatest bicycle race passed through the Cognac region in style on the way to Paris and an American Lance Armstrong victory. MODEF, a radical union of viticulteurs, attempts to disrupt the Tour failed. Minutes before the race, organizers crews re-painted MODEF signs on the roads. English TV commentator described this region as a land of melons, Cognac and wines! He got the sequence wrong but delivered a right message. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 23/07/99 | Michel Goubard, director of the Office de Tourisme in Cognac together with Cognac Houses of Martell and Hennessy scored a perfect 10 out 10 with the new version of "Les Noctambulations", a visitor night walk through the history of Cognac, both the town and the drink. Each Thursday, through 2nd September, two alternating programs are offered: British in Cognac (more like Anglo-Saxons as it included Irish, Scottish, Welsh etc.) and Valois in Cognac. At the opening night some 20+ participants (mostly locals, and a few viticulteurs among them) were guided through the town with an excellent commentary in a very slow and clear French (even your correspondent understood it!). The theme was British in Cognac. As we walked through the Old Town, short vignettes of the Son et Lumiere flavor enhanced the experience. We were greeted by Richard Hennessy, in person, background music and the selected illuminations of architectural gems left by the early Cognac merchants; Otard, Harrison, Reanult, Martell, Hennessy. And, of course, we learned something new. It was James Delamain of Jarnac who advised Richard Hennessy to settle in Cognac. While we stood at Martell, a lonely figure appeared walking slowly toward the group, with a coat over his shoulder, a la Napoleon. It was the present mayor of Cognac, Francis Hardy. A perfect blend of today and history. In the house of Jean Martell, lit by candles, the group was offered Cognac and the very well done booklet on Jean Martell. One of the best 1.5 hours spent in Cognac. Click here. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 23/07/99 | Allied Domecq, parent of Cognac Couvoisier, finally gives in to Punch Taverns Group and sells its pubs in the UK for $3.4 billion (combination of cash and shares in Bass). What will Allied Domecq do now as it got some £2 billion in cash? Will they spend it on another Cognac house starting a long overdue consolidation in the Cognac industry? (IHT21/07/99,Torula News) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 21/07/99 | American businesses are determined to be present in the Cognac region; after Klesch Group lost a close battle for Cognac A. Hardy, another American group, World Cooperage sets up business in the region. Torula News spoke today with Jean-Claude Boisset Company of Nuit-Saint-Georges who were originally awarded Cognac A. Hardy, only to find that this decision is still to be confirmed by the judge at the end of the month. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 21/07/99 | Newly upgraded Miss Cognac Region elections will be held on 11 September in Merpins. Among winning prizes is a year at the University of Eaux-de-Vie in Segonzac exemplifying that the beauty and the knowledge go together. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 21/07/99 | Cognac, an independent guide to the people, the product and the region is now available in Bordeaux at the Librairie Mollat. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19/07/99 | La Fête du Cognac, four days of fun, games and Cognac came to a rousing finale with water games and fireworks. Click here! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19/07/99 | 81samples of Vins de Pays Charentais were tasted at the competition organized by Jean-Jacques Hauselmann of the Comité de Promotion de Vins Pays Charentais. Gold medals winners: J-P Gardrat, Oisellerie, Coop Ile de Ré, Bruno Arrivé and Thalassa. Silver medals went to: Coop Sornin, Pillet, Coulon, J-L Bureau, Maurice, Fine Goule, Thalassa, Deux Champagne and the bronze to Pillet, Plantis Vallées, Herriberry, J-L Bureau, Gourdet, Bruno Arrivé, Hauselmann, GAEC Bureau. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17/07/99 | Myron Ullman, former President of Duty Free Shopping has been appointed Director General at the LVMH (parent of Cognac Hennessy) reporting directly to Bernard Arnault. Last Thursday, a new North American headquarters of LVMH were opened in New York. Our correspondent wrote: "A stunning new building enhancing the skyline of New York..." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17/07/99 | If you are already missing Duty Free shopping within the EU, check www.lastminute.com. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16/07/99 | In an unusual coming together, Young Viticulteurs of the region led by François Méry together with BNIC, Bouilleurs de Cru and other regional organizations, kicked off today four days of La Fête du Cognac in Cognac. Barrel races on the water and the land, flee market, water jousting, fire works are simply a background to the feast of local gastronomy of melons, oysters, mussels, snails and Cognac consumed in different manner. A celebration of youth and Cognac not seen here for a long time. Let the festivities began! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16/07/99 | L'Image du Futur is a new venture of Christophe Rozier, young Parisien who via Juillac-de-Coq set up his business in the town of Cognac at 24 Allées de la Corderie, offering the latest and most advanced TV and HiFi equipment proving that there is a business life beyond Cognac in Cognac. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14/07/99 | Tasting results of Cognac Roullet can be found by clicking here. An excellent product line to celebrate the French Bastille Day. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14/0799 | Can they take my name away or can I have a cake and eat it too? When the name becomes a synonym for a product it appears that they can. But it must be recognized that once you trade mark a product that includes your name, you have to be prepared to lose it. That is the case of Pierre Ferrand, the true and the original Pierre Ferrand. Since signing the fateful documents some 8 years ago with his then employees, Alexandre Gabriel and Jean Dominique Andreu, Pierre Ferrand whose Cognacs are legendary around the world, lost the right to use his name. When you drive up to his place in La Nérolle, it says Pierre de Segonzac. It is a truly cautionary tale of good intentions gone badly wrong. The ongoing, for the past 5 years, court battle promises to be settled next year (27/09/2000). The stakes are high, both for the players involved and for the consumer. It is the latter who has suffered as the confusion of who is who and who does what, is still evident in the market. When the problems with the partnership surfaced, no one from the Cognac industry raised a finger; not BNIC, not the various producer groupings (syndicat) nor the local authorities. And when the case was last time heard in courts, only Olivier Blanc and Pascal Fillioux, Cognac producers and we might add competitors to both, contributed in solidarity with the true and original Pierre Ferrand. But, there is hope amid continuing allegations and rumors. The customer will decide if the quality of Cognac Pierre Ferrand is what it supposed to be. And Pierre de Segonzac, the original Pierre Ferrand, who continues to have around 20% interest in Ferrand Sarl, now controlled by Gabriel & Andreu should have the right to sell his products under a different name like Pierre de Segonzac. But it must be noted that the original Pierre Ferrand is retired, has no vineyards and his stock is limited. Again this can be overcome as the family Ferrand was one of the founding members of Unicoop. Jean Dominique Andreu told Torula News: " I love the man, It is a pity that business went so wrong.". So, we say: "Let’s bury the hatchet" and let Gabriel&Andreu use the original Pierre Ferrand as an Ambassador of Cognac Pierre Ferrand. Finally, he is a shareholder in Ferrand Sarl. Many of the true Cognac aficionados around the world, want to drink one Pierre Ferrand product. Without the beret and his smiling face there can be no other Cognac Pierre Ferrand. In the meantime, a T-shirt with "The original Pierre Ferrand" text has become a collectors item. A poor substitute for excellent products. And all can share more of the cake. |
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| 12/07/99 | They began in July 1772, they sold their first bottled product in 1783 in Paris and today, the 8th generation of Roullet family, Mathias Roullet, is hard at work living up to their self proclaimed motto: "...any production of quality necessitates a limit in quantity.". 100000 bottles are produced annually on the Fins Bois estate near Jarnac; Amber Gold VS, VSOP Reserve, Vieille Reserve, XO Blue Label, XO Gold and Très Rare Hors d'Age which cover separate bottling of Petite Champagne, Borderies and Grande Champagne rarities. Cognac Roullet is famous for aging their products beyond the legal age minimums. They export to UK, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, California, Texas, Florida and, of course, they are available in France. More on the product when we finish tasting ... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/07/99 | Updates and corrections to the Cognac, an independent guide to the people, the product and the region written by the Torula News correspondent are now available. Click here. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12/07/99 | La Cognathèque of Cognac and its owner, Serge Arrau participated recently in the tasting and introduction of Jon Arne Bertelsen Cognacs in Oslo, Norway following Serge Arrau private tasting in London with the Cognac-co and other Cognac officials. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10/07/99 | LVMH, a parent of Hennessy, reported overall sales increase of 15.5% for the first 6 months of the year. Hennessy Cognac sales rose 2% accounting for Euro 323 million confirming a positive overall trend for the product. (IHT08/07/99, Torula News) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10/07/99 | While the Young Viticulteurs Association work full speed in organizing the largest ever Fête du Cognac (16-19/07/99) in Cognac, Bouilleurs de Cru (Distillers Association) are expressing their unhappiness with lack of promotions of Cognac and Pineau des Charentes. (CL10/07/99,Torula News) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0907/99 | A. Hardy, a Cognac, Pineau des Charentes and brandy merchant in the City of Cognac has a new owner. Jean-Claude Boisset Company of Nuit-Saint-Georges, France beat an American Group Klesch and Vinexpansion of Paris when the Tribunal de Commerce of Cognac made its decision. The Jean-Claude Boisset Company is a large wine merchant with some 650 employees who operates world-wide. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 08/07/99 | First concrete results of new BNIC leadership (Guionnet/Philippe) are beginning to surface; age clarification of Cognac qualities, for example. Within 4 years (by 2003) an XO Cognac will have to age a minimum 10 years (by creating compte 9 from 1/04/2000 and compte 10 from 1/04/2001) as opposed to a present minimum of 6.5 years. Simplicity is the name of game for consumer (VS - 2 years old, VSOP - 4 years old, Napoleon - 5 years old, XO - 10 years old, for example) and for the producer an importance of creating a new age requirement for XO is putting a quality distance between products of various ages. A strong generic and world-wide information campaign will be needed by BNIC to explain to the consumers this important step together with a stricter labeling directive and quality controls programs that would have to be implemented. To start with, a Cognac Products Registry is necessary for the consumer, importer and the producer as a reference, as a quality check and a prevention against fake products. The recent expansion of www.bnic.fr that includes producers details and their products is a step in right direction. (CL01/07/99,Torula News) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 08/07/99 | With the end of Duty Free shopping within the EU, tax (VAT) differences between the member countries continue to create shopping opportunities: Luxembourg 15% VAT, Spain and Germany 16%, Portugal 17%, Netherlands and UK 17.5%, Greece 18%, Austria and Italy 20%, France 20.6%, Belgium and Ireland 21%, Finland 22%, Denmark and Sweden 25%. A ten points VAT spread between Luxembourg and Sweden, for example, presents an opportunity. (IHT30/06/99, Torula News) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 08/07/99 | Moutarderie Charentaise introduces a new product; Mustard with Pineau des Charentes/Moutarde au Pineau des Charentes in a continuing expansion of their mustards and vinegar product lines based on regional ingredients from Charentes.. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 06/07/99 | Claude Thorin from Grande Champagne cru in Mainxe, follows in the steps of his father André with a very interesting and winning series of Cognacs; Heritage, XO, Napoléon, VSOP and Séduction qualities. In addition he has special, limited quantity offerings of Princeps and Top2000 Cognac products. His eau-de-vie from 1979 was awarded 1st prize at the prestigious competition in Segonzac in 1998. His very old Pineau des Charentes is also of outstanding quality highlighted by a limited series of 12 bottles per year made available to the public. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 04/07/99 | Cognac A. Hardy working under difficult circumstances as the ink had not yet dried on the new partners agreement, continues to generate new orders and develops new products. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 04/07/99 | Scandinavia leads in the use of Internet. Latest data from
the Computer Industry Almanac of Internet users per 1,000 people (1998)
clearly supports it. This should direct Cognac producers attention when developing Cognac
and Pineau sales via Internet. (IHT1/07/99)
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| 03/07/99 | After 10 months of building (10 years in development and a budget of F2.8 million), the village of St. Simon, tourists and the invited guests celebrated the launching of Gabare La Renaissance at the Pont de Juac on the river Charente.The Association Saint Simon Village Gabarier should be congratulated for the well executed program highlighted by the Les Rabalbots, folk group from Fléac, 60 minutes of official speeches and a tense but successful launch. La Renaissance hit the water at precisely 18:29 to the applause of some 500 spectators and an American folk song. Cognac Gabarieres and the American brownies were also available on the river bank. Pictures from the launch are a click away. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 03/07/99 | For the second year running, village of Siecq celebrated 2 days of Medieval activities culminated in the storming of the La Motte. Click here for this year's pictures. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 03/07/99 | A limited edition of Madame Fernande Sarazin Cognac Hors d'Age from Fins Bois cru is now available at La Maison du Cognac in Cognac. A very good product that scored on our tasting 8/10. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 03/07/99 | Distillerie des Moisan unveils new series of products with amazing prices. Moisan Distillery Maitre Assembleur de Cru VS at F80, VSOP at F100 and XO at F120; Domaine Chez Cormier Rare VSOP Grande Champagne (43% vol.) at F150 and Fins Bois (40% vol.) at F100 and Très Rare XO Grande Champagne at F150 and Fins Bois at F100. Single Cru de Cognac Très Rare XO Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies and Fins Bois - each at F150. All prices are for 70 cl bottles, TTC included. Our tastings to follow but in the meantime all we can say is "Wow!". | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 03/07/99 | Mouth spray from BNIC with Cognac inside - do not think it is a joke. It is a gift distributed by BNIC to attendees at the French Senate party last week. The inscription reads: "Offrez un cognac à vos glaçons - www.cognac.fr". Tasteless, silly and politically incorrect! Can you see drivers spraying their mouth with Cognac? Can you see children playing with it? Can you see ladies or men using it as a perfume? Can you see couples using it before the kiss? And when Mr. Kouchner, French Minister of Health made negative comments about spirits at the last VINEXPO, he probably has not received this gift, yet. "Cognac is about quality, class and not jokes and silly gifts more associated with Americans" said one Cognac producer who attended the party. We agree with him. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 01/07/99 | Association Saint Simon Village Gabarier under its founding President, Jean-Jacques Delage and Serge Quantin, President prepared an ambitious program to celebrate floating of the gabare on 3/07/99. It begins at 15:00 at the Place de l'Eglise in Saint Simon. With 200 pigeons flying and traditional bottle of champagne, gabare is expected to be floated at 17:30 at the Pont de Juac. As yet unnamed, gabare will be named at that time. Politicians will be making speeches and the visitors and tourist will be hoping to get a ride. Failing to confirm with ever elusive Jean-Jacques Delage, we are told that the gabare wont be available to tourists for another year. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 01/07/99 | Duty Free shopping within EC is now history. But in a move expected to benefit British tourist, P&O Stena Line, Eurotunnel and BAA have devised a method that will allow them sales of alcohol, tobacco and other so called 'duty free' goods at the same or similar prices. The key to this arrangement is that the sales on board will be allowed only in French territory (water, air etc.) and the price differentials will be underwritten by the operators. BAA has estimated that they will subsidize $64 million a year by lowering their margins and increasing landing fees. 2 bottles of spirits and 400 cigarettes purchase limit is now removed for the British travelers. British customers maybe on the winning side, Cognac and other sellers in the Duty Free will continue to benefit but it raises a question of real or perceived value of the so called Duty free shopping. (IHT29/06/99, Torula News) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 01/07/99 | Read Robert Stansfield on VINEXPO experience; Walking the aisles... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 01/07/99 | From our Cognac trivia files: On page 249 of the newly published bestseller by Thomas Harris "Hannibal" (follow up to The Silence of Lambs), main character enjoys: "The scents of truffle, foie gras and cognac climb from the open box." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 01/07/99 | Cognac A. Hardy future is to be decided by the court appointed receiver tomorrow. In running to take over, are French and American businesses. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 01/07/99 | Cognac Frapin tasting results from Cognac Amateur Tasting Society gathering at the Frapin chais are now published. Click here. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Global News for: June'99 May99 April '99 March'99, February'99 January'99 1998 |
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