Vallein Tercinier distillery

Introduction to Vallein Tercinier

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Vallein Tercinier is a prestigious French Cognac house located in the heart of the Grande Champagne region, known for producing exceptional Cognacs and Pineau des Charentes for over five generations. The estate combines traditional craftsmanship with a deep respect for terroir, resulting in spirits that showcase remarkable complexity and finesse.

The family-owned domain has maintained its independence throughout the centuries, allowing for creative freedom and a dedication to quality that’s increasingly rare in today’s market.

Why we have a soft spot for Vallein Tercinier

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that maintain their independence while consistently delivering exceptional quality. Vallein Tercinier stands out for its impressive library of vintage Cognacs, some dating back to the early 20th century, offering enthusiasts a rare glimpse into Cognac history.

Their approach to aging—patient and methodical—results in expressions that showcase incredible depth and character, with each bottling telling a unique story of time and place.

The History Behind Vallein Tercinier

Origin and development

The story of Vallein Tercinier begins in 1850 when Louis Vallein purchased the Domaine des Forges in Chermignac. The estate, which dates back to the 17th century, provided the perfect foundation for what would become a Cognac house of distinction.

In 1920, Georges Vallein married Esther Tercinier, and the name Vallein Tercinier was established. The family continued to build their reputation through the 20th century, carefully expanding their vineyards and aging facilities while preserving their artisanal approach.

Today, the house maintains a treasure trove of vintage Cognacs, some dating back nearly a century, providing a remarkable historical archive of the region’s spirit-making heritage.

The people behind the brand

The distillery is currently managed by the fifth generation of the family—Catherine and Louis Vallein—who continue the tradition of excellence established by their ancestors. Their deep knowledge of Cognac production has been passed down through generations, resulting in a remarkable understanding of their terroir and the aging process.

The small team at Vallein Tercinier works with precision and care, ensuring that each step of the production process honors the family legacy while embracing innovations that enhance quality.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Vallein Tercinier begins with grapes primarily from the Grande Champagne and Fins Bois regions, known for producing Cognacs of exceptional finesse and aromatic complexity. Following traditional methods, the grapes are pressed and fermented into a white wine with relatively low alcohol content and high acidity—the perfect base for distillation.

The distillation takes place in traditional Charentais copper pot stills, a slow, double-distillation process that concentrates the most desirable flavors and aromas. This method, unchanged for centuries, is essential to creating the elegant eau-de-vie that will eventually become Cognac.

Maturation and aging

The true magic of Vallein Tercinier happens during the aging process. The new-make spirit is placed in French oak barrels, where it will rest for years—often decades—in the family’s historic cellars.

What sets Vallein Tercinier apart is their impressive stock of old Cognacs, with some dating back to the early 1900s. The house’s cellar master carefully monitors the maturation process, occasionally transferring the spirits to older barrels to control the oak influence and develop complex flavors.

This patient approach to aging allows for the creation of remarkably nuanced Cognacs, with the older expressions showcasing the fascinating evolution that only time can provide.

Selected Products from Vallein Tercinier

Lot 70 Grande Champagne – A gateway to exceptional Cognac

This exceptional XO Cognac from the premier Grande Champagne terroir offers a perfect introduction to the Vallein Tercinier house style. Notes of dried fruits, orange peel, and subtle spices are complemented by an elegant oakiness that speaks to its significant aging period.

The smooth, complex palate delivers remarkable length and finesse, making it an excellent entry point for those looking to explore premium Cognac.

Vintage Single Cask Releases – A journey through time

For the true connoisseur, Vallein Tercinier’s vintage releases offer an unparalleled experience. These single-cask bottlings, often from specific years dating back decades, provide a fascinating glimpse into Cognac’s history.

Expect intensely concentrated flavors, with tropical fruits, rancio (the prized nutty, oxidative character that develops over extended aging), leather, and subtle tobacco notes creating a symphony of complexity. Each vintage carries its own unique character, reflecting both the specifics of its harvest year and the decades of maturation.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Vallein Tercinier welcomes visitors to their historic estate in Chermignac, where guests can explore the traditional distillery, aging cellars, and picturesque vineyards. The guided tours provide insight into the Cognac-making process from grape to glass.

The tasting experience is particularly special, often including rare vintages that showcase the house’s remarkable aging capacity and the distinctive character of different terroirs within the Cognac region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vallein Tercinier?

Vallein Tercinier is a family-owned Cognac house established in 1850, known for producing exceptional Cognacs and Pineau des Charentes. They maintain a traditional approach to production while focusing on extended aging, resulting in spirits of remarkable complexity and depth.

Where is Vallein Tercinier located?

The distillery is located in Chermignac, near Saintes in the Charente-Maritime department of France. Their estate, Domaine des Forges, dates back to the 17th century and sits in the heart of the renowned Cognac-producing region.

What characterizes Vallein Tercinier?

Vallein Tercinier is particularly known for its extensive library of vintage Cognacs, some dating back to the early 1900s. Their spirits typically display an elegant balance between fruit, floral notes, and the complex “rancio” character that develops during extended aging. Their commitment to maintaining family ownership has allowed them to preserve these exceptional aged stocks rather than selling them off for short-term profit.

Where can I buy Cognac from Vallein Tercinier?

You can find selected bottles from Vallein Tercinier at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate the finest expressions from this distinguished house, including both their standard releases and rare vintage bottlings, giving you access to some truly exceptional Cognacs that showcase the best of this historic producer.