All about Merlet Cognac distillery

Merlet is set up just outside the village of Saint Sauvant in the Saintonge region. Traditionally, the Merlet family were Winegrowers, supplying grapes to Winemakers across the region.

But in 1850, Firmin Merlet assembled the first pot still near the picturesque town of Saint Sauvant and started transforming their surplus grape inventory into fine eau-de-vie for famous Cognac producers Hennessy, Martell, and Courvoisier.

Gradually, they acquired their own aging barrels and then started bottling, thus becoming an independent producer. It’s still an all-in-the-family operation, currently going strong in their fifth generation.

Gilles Merlet took over the reins forty years ago, streamlining, modernizing, and expanding their product lines.

Now joined by his sons, Pierre and Luc, they produce their famous Cognac, Pineau des Charentes, Brandies, and Liqueurs.

Viva le Merlet! Their 100 acres of vineyards are situated both in Fins Bois and Borderies crus. Once the grapes have been harvested, they are pressed, fermented, and distilled in their Charentais copper pot stills.