In a move that is sure to shake up the cognac industry, Uncle Nearest, the most-awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey company of 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, has acquired Domaine Saint Martin, a 100-acre estate in Cognac, France, with 50 acres of vineyards dedicated to the Grande Champagne appellation. This acquisition makes Uncle Nearest the largest Grande Champagne vineyard owner in the city of Cognac.
The Grande Champagne appellation is the most prestigious in Cognac, and it is known for producing the highest quality cognacs. The grapes from the Grande Champagne region are known for their high acidity and minerality, which gives the resulting cognacs their complex flavors and aromas.
“The Uncle Nearest brand thrives on its profound story of love, honor, respect, and heritage. Our mission in Cognac echoes this essence,” remarked Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest Founder and CEO.
Throughout the past year, Weaver and her team, involving key spirits industry figures, have delved deep into Cognac’s roots, extracting groundbreaking insights which she believes will captivate global audiences.
“Our brand strategy pivots from the norm. We are unveiling a short film first at several film festivals, then launching the brand,” teased Weaver, hinting at an exploration of Cognac’s history that surpasses even Uncle Nearest’s meticulous research standards. This cinematic portrayal of Cognac’s ascent across America, Europe, and Asia will be narrated by award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright, with filming commencing this Spring.
Uncle Nearest plans to use the grapes from its vineyards to produce a new line of cognacs that will be released in the coming years. The company has also announced that it will be investing in the Domaine Saint Martin estate to improve the vineyards and the distillery.
The acquisition of Domaine Saint Martin marks a pivotal moment for Uncle Nearest, granting the company full control over the cognac production process, from grape to glass. This pivotal control ensures the highest quality standards for their cognacs.
Furthermore, this acquisition underscores Uncle Nearest’s unwavering dedication to the cognac market, demonstrating a long-term commitment and a sincere intention to emerge as a prominent player in the industry.
Notably, Uncle Nearest’s acquisition of Domaine Saint Martin is a groundbreaking event in the cognac industry, marking the first instance of an American company taking ownership of a significant cognac estate.
This acquisition coincides with a transformative phase in the cognac sector dominated by a small number of large companies. These companies have traditionally focused on producing cognacs for the mass market. However, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for premium cognacs.
Uncle Nearest is now well-positioned to capitalize on this growing demand.
