{"id":43906,"date":"2018-11-27T16:00:34","date_gmt":"2018-11-27T21:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/?p=43906"},"modified":"2026-03-07T11:39:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T16:39:29","slug":"a-grand-celebration-with-the-grand-marnier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gentologie.com\/en\/fine-dining\/wines-and-spirits\/spirits\/a-grand-celebration-with-the-grand-marnier\/","title":{"rendered":"A Grand Celebration with the Grand Marnier"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It was then that the first snowflakes on Quebec that I write this article, the atmosphere of Holidays is already present. It was during a party at the Ritz-Carlton in Montreal last September with Patrick Raguenaud<\/a>, Grand Marnier’s Master Blender, that we learned about the brand and we believe, at Gentologie, that it will be perfect on your table throughout the holidays, and beyond to have a Grand Celebration with Grand Marnier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Grand Marnier?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Grand-Marnier---Cordon-Rouge---Label\"
The Label of Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
Photo: Grand Marnier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Grand question. We all think we know the Grand Marnier, by cons, do we really know it? The main expression of the latter, Cordon Rouge, is composed at 51% of blend French cognac (this is a euphemism here since all cognacs are French and come from this region) and 49% of exotic bitter oranges. Its elegant presence combines with the bitter essence of intriguing exotic orange, lending the inimitable liquid an unparalleled and powerful fragrance. In the latter, you will find a complexity of flavors developed centuries ago, while remaining truly versatile in a contemporary world, thanks to the timeless provenance and heritage of the brand. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, it’s heritage is maintained by Patrick Raguenaud, master blender, and our host for the evening at the Ritz-Carlton. Born and raised in the Cognac region, he embodies the knowledge and tradition that has accompanied the brand since its inception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brandy and cognac, is there a difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Patrick-Raguenaud---Grand-Marnier---Pouring\"
Photo: Grand Marnier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As for brandy, it refers to any type of distilled alcohol that is made from fermented fruit juice. As for cognac, it is a type of brandy using specific grape varieties, such as Ugni Blanc (a grape variety also known as Trebbiano Toscano), which undergoes a definite distillation period and minimum aging in casks. French oak to ensure optimum quality. Cognac can only be produced in the Cognac region, following strict production methods regulated by French law (Appellation d’Origine Contr\u00f4l\u00e9e known as AOC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Internationally known, while continuing to resonate with aficionados around the world, the range brings out convivial luxury and something charismatic and intriguing, with its unique fine golden liquid and perfectly put forward thanks to its magnificent iconic bottle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Grand Story<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"The-Ch\u00e2teau-Grand-Marnier\"
The Ch\u00e2teau Grand Marnier
Photo: Grand Marnier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It’s Grand story begins in 1827, when Jean Baptiste Lapostolle (it is the same family that founded the Lapostolle wines in Chile, including Francisco Baettig, who was the oenologist) founded a distillery in Neauphle-Le-Ch\u00e2teau, a small town outside Paris that produces fruit liqueurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1876, when his granddaughter married Louis-Alexandre Marnier, son of a family of winemakers in the region of Sancerre, the House of Marnier Lapostolle was born. In love with fine cognac, Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle had the innovative idea of combining cognac with a rare variety of Caribbean oranges, the \u201cCitrus bigaradia\u201d. It must be said that at the time, oranges were an exotic luxury product, consumed especially on special occasions. By combining the complexity and sweetness of cognac with the exoticism of distilled orange essence (a recipe that is still secret today), Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle created in 1880 the famous liqueur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the Grand Marnier entered the scene in 1880, it was tasted in new cafes and breweries. It is easy to understand how the latter immediately became a popular product, synonymous with this new joy of living. Louis-Alexandre was not happy to simply create the Grand Marnier, he made it a must at all Paris evenings thanks to its links with the \u201cGrands\u201d of Paris; a must at all tables and social events. Its inimitable finesse will later ensure its presence aboard the largest and most famous cruise ship, the Titanic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But who is Patrick Raguenaud, the Grand Marnier’s Master Blender?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Grand-Marnier---Patrick-Raguenaud---Tasting\"
Grand Marnier’s Master Blender, Mr. Patrick Raguenaud
Photo: Grand Marnier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Although the history of Grand Marnier dates back to the end of the 19th century, it is essential to perpetuate knowledge and tradition and it is the role of Patrick Raguenaud, the master assembler. The latter was born in 1954 in Jarnac, a town in the department of Charente in the south-west of the region of Cognac, France. It must be said that Mr. Raguenaud has always been intimately linked to the territory – his family has been involved in the cognac industry since 1627.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He joined Grand Marnier as a master blender in 2004, a role of importance and requiring remarkable expertise, overseeing the purchase, aging and assembly of French cognac, as well as the significant production of bitter orange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Range<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Grand-Marnier---Cellier-de-D\u00e9gustation\"
The Tasting Cellar
Photo: Grand Marnier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The range of the Grand Marnier range reflects a selection of truly unique products, each of which combines an eccentric and unique blend of fine French cognac and exotic bitter oranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The expressions Cordon Rouge and Cuv\u00e9e combine an exceptional aromatic richness. This wealth is attributed to the commitment and expertise of the current master assembler, Patrick Raguenaud, whose deep experience, passion and attention to detail result in the precious liquid that you can enjoy every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Grand-Marnier--Cordon-Rouge---Bottle\"
Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
Photo: Grand Marnier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The first of the range, created in 1880, the Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge is the jewel of the brand and combines the intensity of the bitter orange exotic to the character of cognac. The recipe, which has remained the same since its creation, gives a liquor to the flavours and powerful aromas. It is composed of 51% cognac, with a degree of alcohol of 40%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n