A cognac producer told Cognac Expert some weeks ago:

I was very surprised by your article about “Remy-Martin V”: it’s very “hot” news. In 1998, Hennessy tried to make Whisky on his own mark (“Whisky Hennessy”). The BNIC succeeded in forbidding it, arguing that Hennessy’s name is strongly linked to the cognac category. This could allow other products to do the same. And it’s true.

The problem might come back with “Rémy V”: stay tuned…

Until now, the house of Rémy Martin did not use its full name when they released other products such as brandy San Remy, Rémyred or Rémy Silver. But this time they are using the whole brand for boosting communication of the new “white” product.

Some websites even call it “Rémy Martin V, a new cognac – white like snow”…

If you want to know more about Rémy Martin V, see our article.

Cognac winegrowers and producers are angry

Some producers in Charente are really angry. The BNIC (cognac lobby) somehow guaranteed the right and moral use of names and product descriptions. Legal department of BNIC commented:

“It’s a rather delivate subject and we are about to think about the issue internally. We do not have yet a clear position on the matter, and will not comment on the issue.”

Some officials of the wine growing federation of Cognac would like to speak to the board of Rémy Martin, in order to discuss the matter. This product could be bad for cognac’s reputation and perhaps only the beginning of lots of other products that use the name of big cognac houses.

It’s not the best timing for Rémy Martin, as the cognac seller already made some winegrowers angry by announcing a change of their deal terms regarding acquiring eaux-de-vie from the farmers.

Source: Charente Libre