Evaluation: Luxurious Cognac Experience - Immersing Yourself in Cognac Territory with Chais Monnet
Flipping the Mold: Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa's Unusual Charm
Yep, you read that right - this hotel is all about that mold. But don't scrunch up your nose just yet; we're talking about the Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa in Cognac, southwestern France. This joint doesn't shun molds; on the contrary, it flaunts its love for the rare and peculiar Baudoinia compniacensis.
Now, this isn't your run-of-the-mill mold. It's attracted to the booze in the air, the good stuff evaporating from the brandy casks known as the "angels' shares." And you guessed it, Chais Monnet has gone and embraced this funky characteristic.
The facade of its modern glass rooms, draped in rusted metal ribbons, mimics the vines of the surrounding Charente countryside, complete with a dark hue reminiscent of its favorite mold.
Inside, the decor ain't shoutin' loud but whispers elegance. Creamy tones and wood dominate, and the bathrooms sport sharp, white tiles. From our room's window, we could peek at the tip of the hotel's massive, L-shaped swimming pool peeking out into the lush lawn.
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In the summer, the pool's outdoor section comes alive. The rest of the pool, covered year-round, is next to the saunas, steam rooms, and experience showers. Beyond the outdoor pool and the hotel's rear grounds, you'll find a quaint public park with an old gabarre on display – those flat-bottomed barges that used to transport the cognac casks on the River Charente.
The Monnet cognac-making biz was born in 1838 by Jean-Gabriel Monnet. Fast forward to today, and the hotel designers have skillfully preserved the property's past. The 1838 Bar, for instance, was once the old cooperage, and the restaurant, Les Foudres, takes you on a descent into the hotel's old cellar, where you'll pass the towering wooden cognac barrels the place is named after.
The gastronomy here will delight your taste buds. From the sweet and earthy salsify, the marinated Brittany seabass, to the pigeon with liver and kidneys wrapped in a clever little samosa (€175 for the tasting menu with wine pairing), the food will leave you impressed.
The brasserie, La Distillerie, offers a more laid-back vibe but still serves up excellent fare with a French flair. devices. That slow-cooked veal under a cloche (€30)? You don't wanna miss it.
Chais Monnet may no longer be a true "chais," meaning the place where the casks are stored. But you can still nab the house "Chais Monnet" single-cask cognac, exclusively made for the hotel by Hine (which still churns out "Monnet" cognac). Grab a bottle (€135) to enjoy its warm, sweet-cherry notes at home – I did!
So, why did the Monnet family quit the cognac game? Well, blame Brussels for that one. The family firm ended up in the hands of Jean-Gabriel Monnet's son, Jean Monnet, who turned to politics and sold the business in 1962 to bankroll his dream project, the Action Committee for the United States of Europe. Guess where that led us? The European Union. Today, you'll find Jean Monnet's bust in the town center atop a ring of stars.
Take a gander at the king's birthplace, the Château de Cognac on the banks of the Charente, by crossing the little park and strolling along the river. The castle, which still stores Baron Otard cognac (but mainly for show these days), is worth a guided tour (€75, chateaudecognac.com) for the history, cognac-learnin', and the chance to sample a wee dram.
This travelin' Englishman was eventually set free to amble towards the town center at Place Jean Monnet and then back to the hotel. The terraces were closed for winters during our stay, but they must be pretty sweet spots for sipping cocktails or wine before dinner in the summer.
Chris was a guest of Hôtel Chais Monnet & Spa. Room rates start at €265 per night. Catch a flight from London to either Bordeaux or La Rochelle. More info can be found at chaismonnethotel.com/en.
During my stay at Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa, I enjoyed the unique blend of property history and modern lifestyle, as reflected in the interior decor and culinary offerings. After my visit, I returned home with a bottle of Chais Monnet single-cask cognac, which transported the hotel's charm to my home-and-garden.
