About Merlet

The Merlet adventure begins in the 18th century when the family produces wine. In 1850, Firmin Merlet set up his first still just outside the village of Saint Sauvant in the region of Saintonge to distill his own harvests. His successor Edouard became the first member of the family to provide fine eaux-de-vie to large cognac houses such as Hennessy. Guy Merlet followed in his footsteps and expanded the distillery.

Generations after generations, the Merlet family refined its expertise and produced unique eaux-de-vie, respectful of the Saintonge terroir. From the copper still to oak barrels, time is the alchemist that lets their eaux-de-vie blossom into harmonious cognacs.

When Gilles Merlet took over the distillery in 1973, the context was difficult for cognac and planting new vines on the family plots no longer an option. Faced with this heart-breaking reality, he began extensive testing of alternative crops. He came up with a great idea: planting blackcurrant. A real challenge in a region exclusively dedicated to vines and cognac.

Gilles Merlet put every effort in his work in order to permanently anchor innovation at the heart of the distillery’s activities. He launched many new products, combining fruits, liquors or wines, without ever losing sight of more traditional products: the Merlet family also produces Pineau des Charentes, with the same passion Between 2005 and 2008, Pierre and Luc, Gilles Merlet’s sons, decided to get involved in the activities of the distillery. The very experimented Gilles remained at the helm to pass on his know-how and thirst for innovation.

Learn more
Filters(0)
Sort by