Discover the Flavors of Cognac: Why a Weekend in France is a Culinary Must!

Popcorn and cognac? You wouldn’t typically think they go together, but that’s exactly what a former professional basketball player turned chef is serving up.

I’m sitting at a charming table in the Château de Chanteloup, a historic home of the Martell family. This stunning place, usually closed to the public, boasts gilded clocks and beautiful gardens filled with deer. The culinary experience I’m enjoying is the Signature Martell by Alexandre Mazzia. Each dish is a work of art, especially a plate showcasing golden bottarga with a glazed mussel. The surprise crunch from seaweed popcorn really elevates the dish and enhances the rich flavor of cognac—which French author Victor Hugo once called “the liquor of the gods.”

Chef Alexandre Mazzia, a three Michelin-starred talent, brings unique flavors influenced by his upbringing in the Republic of the Congo. His meeting with Martell’s cellar master, Christophe Valtaud, at a Michelin ceremony sparked a fantastic partnership. Mazzia’s culinary vision reflects his love for the Charentais terroir, the land known for its bountiful produce and proximity to Cognac.

Cognac itself has transformed a lot over the past 20 years. The town, with its charming chateau along the Charente river, used to feel hidden away but has become more accessible. About 98% of cognac is exported worldwide, mostly to China and the U.S., even though many people still don’t know much about its birthplace.

Accessibility was a challenge, as highlighted by Martell’s global brand ambassador, Alexandre Combescot de Marsaguet. The town is tucked away from major tourist routes, and a lack of accommodations didn’t help. However, recent investments have changed that.

The riverside area has been revitalized, and there are more attractions, like the restored Château de Cognac, originally built in the 10th century. This historic fortress is now a place where you can explore the rooms once reserved for kings.

Cognac’s food scene is also on the rise. Rooftop bars now mix classic and innovative cocktails, like the Fine à l’Eau from the Indigo Rooftop Bar. The bar’s mixologist, Rémy Savage, creates a menu that reflects the modern twist on traditional drinks.

Hotels have also emerged to cater to visitors. The Hôtel Chais Monnet was a major project in 2018, transforming old cognac warehouses into a luxurious spa and restaurant. This was followed by La Nauve, a charming boutique hotel housed in a former distillery, celebrated for fresh produce and artisan dishes.

Culinary tourism is booming, too. With rising interest in local specialties, businesses like Food Aventura give guests insights into the region’s best-kept secrets, from cheese to duck farming. Pauline Vivent, the owner, believes that walking around Cognac reveals its true allure.

For the cognac enthusiasts, there are plenty of tasting workshops and blending experiences available. Independent houses are more open to visitors now, offering creative activities alongside well-known brands like Hennessy and Martell.

Since I first visited in 2018, Hennessy has upgraded its visitor offerings, with a virtual tour and a cooperage showcasing traditional barrel-making—a fascinating craft dating back thousands of years. Jean-Baptiste Montigaud, a skilled cooper, shared insights on how precise the art is, demonstrating how they toast barrels for aging.

Martell, the oldest distillery from 1715, has established deep-rooted connections with local winegrowers. They maintain thorough archives documenting their history and a reserve of around 12,000 eau-de-vie samples, blending old and new generations of spirits. Christophe Valtaud, the cellar master, emphasizes his focus on future generations, showcasing the deep care and tradition that defines Cognac.

Cognac is no longer just a spirit; it’s a rich experience that merges culinary artistry, history, and craft, all waiting to be discovered.

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