Tesseron XO Cognac - Lot No. 90

Tesseron Cognac Lot N° 90 XO Ovation: Freshness, Vibrancy and Complexity

Tesseron Cognac Lot N° 90 XO Ovation expresses a particularly vibrant and fresh side of Maison Tesseron's expertise. Aged for 10 years, this blend combines eaux-de-vie from three crus of the Cognac appellation: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois. Its character is built around a balance of aromatic freshness, power and complexity.

On the nose, fresh pear and quince lead the tasting before giving way to vegetal notes, dried fruits, walnuts and a subtle hint of almond. On the palate, Lot N° 90 stands out for its firm, precise and powerful structure, which remains faithful to its aromatic profile. It is an interesting discovery for enthusiasts wishing to explore a mature cognac without sacrificing vibrancy.

Ageing in oak barrels brings richness and complexity to this blend. An additional point of distinction is that Maison Tesseron states that a few ice cubes can perfectly highlight the freshness and purity of this expression. Lot N° 90 XO Ovation therefore invites drinkers to discover cognac from a different perspective, somewhere between classic tasting and a chilled serve.

To explore other expressions of this Charentais spirit, discover our selection of XO cognacs and our complete guide to cognac.

Maison Tesseron: A Tradition of Characterful Cognacs

Founded in 1905 by Abel Tesseron, Maison Tesseron was built around the selection and preservation of cognac reserves. Over the generations, the family developed a collection of eaux-de-vie prized for their quality, ageing potential and role in the art of blending.

The house stands out for its approach to family reserves and the attention it gives to the individual character of its eaux-de-vie. The name “Lot” is part of its identity: it refers to blends created from selected reserves, each contributing to the expression of the final cognac.

With Lot N° 90 XO Ovation, this pursuit of quality finds expression in a style defined by freshness, vibrancy and aromatic precision. Blending eaux-de-vie from several crus brings together complementary characteristics to create a profile that is both structured and approachable in its expression.

To learn more about the stages that shape a cognac's identity, read our guide to everything you need to know about cognac, then discover how cognac is made, from distillation to ageing.

Three Crus for a Balanced Blend: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois

The character of Tesseron Lot N° 90 XO Ovation rests on the combination of three crus within the Cognac appellation. Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois contribute complementary characteristics that help shape the balance of the blend.

Grande Champagne is Cognac's Premier Cru. It is particularly valued for its fine eaux-de-vie and their ability to develop over time. Petite Champagne is another major terroir within the appellation, with eaux-de-vie that contribute to the diversity of blends. Fins Bois completes this range of crus and helps build the desired profile.

The distinctive character of Lot N° 90 therefore comes not from a single terroir, but from the meeting of several origins. This combination creates a cognac that brings together vibrancy, structure and complexity, with an aromatic expression marked by fresh fruit, vegetal notes and dried fruits.

To explore these differences in greater depth, read our article on the role of terroir and crus in cognac quality. You can also browse our XO cognac category to compare different expressions within this category.

A 10-Year-Old Cognac Aged in Oak Barrels

Tesseron Lot N° 90 XO Ovation is stated to be 10 years old. Its extended ageing in oak barrels helps enrich its aromatic profile and shape the tasting experience. The wood contributes to the evolution of the eaux-de-vie while complementing fruity notes and the more complex nuances that develop over time.

Ageing is about more than duration: it plays a role in the balance between freshness, structure and maturity. For Lot N° 90, the house highlights the vibrancy of the eaux-de-vie and their aromatic purity, combined with the richness imparted by oak.

This profile offers a different perspective on XO cognac: a blend that retains a dynamic and precise expression without being limited to heavier or intensely oaky notes. Fresh fruit, vegetal nuances, dried fruits and almond form an aromatic palette that evolves from the nose to the palate.

To better understand the influence of wood on the colour, aromas and texture of eaux-de-vie, read our article on the role of oak barrels in cognac ageing.

You can also explore the different stages of production in our feature on how cognac is made.

Tasting Notes for Tesseron Lot N° 90 XO Ovation

Appearance: A Beautiful, Luminous Golden Colour

Tesseron Lot N° 90 XO Ovation displays an attractive golden colour. Its appearance reflects the maturity of this spirit while remaining consistent with a profile that prioritises freshness and aromatic vibrancy.

Nose: Fresh Pear, Quince and Almond

The nose opens with very fresh notes of pear and quince. Vegetal nuances then emerge, followed by dried fruits, walnuts and an intriguing touch of almond. This evolution creates an interesting contrast between the fresh fruit of the initial nose and the depth of the drier notes.

The aromatic range remains precise and dynamic. It invites you to take time to smell the cognac several times in order to distinguish the fruity freshness, vegetal elements and almond nuances.

Palate: Power and Precision

On the palate, Lot N° 90 is firm, concentrated and powerful. Its structure echoes the aromas found on the nose, delivering a direct and precise expression. Fruit, vegetal nuances and dried-fruit notes contribute to its character, while ageing adds complexity to the whole.

A tasting note published by Andreas Larsson, named the world's best sommelier in 2007, also mentions aromas of molasses, crème brûlée and toasted wood, together with a pleasant bitterness that contributes to the structure. He describes a slightly sweeter finish marked by dried fruits.

Finish: Structured Sweetness

The finish combines dried-fruit nuances with measured sweetness. The slight bitterness noted in the tasting review adds depth and prevents the profile from being dominated solely by sweet notes. The result retains a firm structure and a coherent aromatic expression.

How to Enjoy Tesseron Lot N° 90 Cognac

Tesseron Lot N° 90 XO Ovation can be enjoyed in several ways. For a classic tasting, start by serving it in a suitable glass and allow the aromas of pear, quince, dried fruits and almond to develop gradually.

Maison Tesseron also recommends trying this expression with a few ice cubes. The cold can change how the aromas are perceived and highlight the sensation of freshness and purity emphasised by the house. It is interesting to compare the two serves: first neat, then slightly chilled, to observe the differences in aromatic expression and texture.

To make the most of this comparison, taste the cognac neat before adding ice. This will help you better appreciate its initial structure and the changes brought about by cooling.

To discover the principles of tasting and better understand different aromatic profiles, read our complete guide to cognac.

Awards and Tasting Reviews for Lot N° 90 XO Ovation

Tesseron Lot N° 90 XO Ovation has been mentioned in several publications and competitions. The references provided for this expression reflect the interest it has attracted among tasters and industry professionals.

Andreas Larsson, named the world's best sommelier in 2007, noted aromas of molasses, crème brûlée and toasted wood, a good structure on the palate, a pleasant bitterness and a slightly sweeter finish marked by dried fruits.

These references correspond to the reviews and results provided for this expression; they should not be interpreted as recent or renewed evaluations.

Who Is Tesseron Lot N° 90 XO Ovation For?

Tesseron Lot N° 90 XO Ovation is suited to enthusiasts looking for a structured cognac whose profile retains genuine aromatic freshness. Notes of pear and quince, vegetal nuances and dried fruits offer an interesting alternative to cognacs dominated by very ripe or intensely oaky aromas.

It may also appeal to enthusiasts who want to compare the effects of blending eaux-de-vie from several crus and discover Maison Tesseron's signature through a 10-year-old expression.

As a gift, its identity as a family house and its precise aromatic profile make it an interesting choice for someone who enjoys discovering different styles of cognac. Our guide to choosing a cognac as a gift can help you refine your selection.

Explore the World of Cognac Further

Tesseron Lot N° 90 XO Ovation offers an opportunity to explore several essential concepts: the complementarity of crus, the evolution of eaux-de-vie in oak barrels and the role of blending in shaping an aromatic profile. To continue your discovery, explore the following resources.

The Role of Terroir in Cognac Quality: understand the distinctive characteristics of Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois.

Understanding Charentais Distillation: discover the expertise behind the production of eaux-de-vie.

How Oak Barrels Transform Cognac: explore the development of aromas during ageing.

The Stages of Cognac Production: from distillation to ageing in barrels.

The Ultimate Cognac Guide: learn more about categories, crus and tasting practices.

To discover other expressions in this category, browse our selection of XO cognacs and our Cognac Only catalogue.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Tesseron Lot N° 90 XO Ovation

How old is Tesseron Lot N° 90 XO Ovation Cognac?

The information provided for this expression states that it is 10 years old.

Which crus are used in Tesseron Lot N° 90?

The blend brings together eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne and Fins Bois. The combination of these three crus contributes to its balance of freshness, complexity and structure.

Which grape variety is used for Lot N° 90 XO Ovation?

The information provided for this expression identifies Ugni Blanc as the grape variety.

What are the tasting notes of Tesseron Lot N° 90?

The nose reveals notes of fresh pear and quince, followed by vegetal elements, dried fruits, walnuts and almond. The palate is firm, precise and powerful. An additional tasting note also mentions molasses, crème brûlée, toasted wood and a slightly sweeter finish.

Can Tesseron Lot N° 90 be enjoyed with ice cubes?

Yes. Maison Tesseron states that a few ice cubes particularly highlight the freshness and purity of its eaux-de-vie. You can begin by tasting it neat, then compare it with a chilled serve.

What awards has Lot N° 90 received?

The information provided mentions a score of 94 points and the “Star Buy” designation from Wine International, a silver medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in 2009, and a “*** Recommended” rating from Spirit Journal.

What is the difference between Lot N° 90 and an older cognac?

Lot N° 90 stands out for a profile focused on freshness, fresh fruit and structure. To understand how ageing affects aromas and texture, read our article on the influence of oak barrels. Discover other products from the Tesseron house.

Where can I discover other XO cognacs?

Explore our selection of XO cognacs to compare different blends and aromatic profiles.

Discover Tesseron Lot N° 90 XO Ovation with Cognac Only

Fresh, vibrant and structured, Tesseron Lot N° 90 XO Ovation reveals a distinctive expression of cognac, shaped by a blend of three crus, 10 years of ageing and notes of pear, quince, dried fruits and almond. It offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the character of Maison Tesseron.

Cognac Only helps you explore cognac houses, the main categories and independent producers. Browse our selection of XO cognacs, find advice in our complete guide to cognac or explore our online catalogue.