traveltales: COGNAC, FRANCE SITE

Sunday, October 20, 2013

COGNAC, FRANCE SITE

The Remy Martin Facility

After a very long and busy day of biking ending with a ferry from Verdan across the Gironde River to Royan, we took the next day off. It was about an hour’s drive through the French countryside to Cognac, and it was a lovely warm sunny day.

All cognac comes from the French city of the same name. If this liquid refreshment comes from anywhere else it is called brandy. Remy Martin is not the only cognac facility in the area, but it is without a doubt the largest and best known. All cognacs are blended with liquids of different years and places. We picked up an English-speaking guide at the small Disney-style train for a tour of the huge facility.

The Martin facility was established in 1724 and is so large it has its own coopery, the largest in the world, on the grounds. The coopers make 70,000 barrels a year! Only oak is used to make the barrels. Logs are split and the center cut into staves which are stacked and dried for three years. It takes 32-36 staves a meter long to make a barrel which holds 350 liters of fluid.

Everything on the grounds was a grayish-black color, caused from fumes of the aging liquids and the humidity maintained in the aging rooms. The barrels turn darker as the contents age. During a 24-month period the alcohol content of the liquid drops from 70% to 40%. The average age of cognac is eight years but can range from 4-18 years. The liquid in the vats on site equals 160 million bottles.

The facility can bottle 100,000 bottles a day! One aging room we entered contained 6000 barrels of 20-25 year old cognac. Another room held 12,000 barrels that was four-years old. The grapes used for cognac have an average life of 30-35 years. It is possible to keep cognac 80 years, but why would one want to?

This huge efficient operation was spotless. I swear one could eat off the floor. The aromas were delightful. We visited a tasting room where many were ecstatic. It was a most interesting informative visit, and I think we all enjoyed the respite from the bikes.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.