D'USSÉ Cognac has appointed Agathe Boinot as the second cellar master in its history. She will succeed the brand's founding cellar master Michel Casavecchia, who retired earlier this month. The appointment marks Boinot as the youngest female cellar master of the major houses in Cognac—a testament to the modern vision that D'USSÉ was founded upon 12 years ago.
"D'USSÉ has transcended the age-old conventions of Cognac and become a cultural icon under Michel's tutelage. He redefined the limits of the category and his lessons will be forever with me," said Boinot.
"Becoming cellar master is a great responsibility, and I am honoured to have the chance to uphold the brand's heritage while bringing my own passions, expertise, and philosophies to the next chapter of D'USSÉ. In this position, I will champion representation for women in Cognac, who have played an important but largely invisible role. I aim to bring visibility to our work, inviting more women and younger generations to Cognac's possibilities in the process."
A native Parisian, Boinot studied oenology and held various roles in the wine and spirits industry in her early career, encompassing vodka, whiskey and gin. She was captivated by the allure of aged spirits and became drawn to the enigmatic world of cognac.
Boinot perfected her craft at the historic Chateau de Cognac, mastering the art of blending, aging and tasting. As apprentice to Casavecchia, she's been preparing for the role of cellar master for seven years, immersing herself in the sensory symphony and style of D'USSÉ. Now, she will oversee D'USSÉ's generations of eau-de-vie and the techniques and traditions of the house to lead the Cognac's production and innovation.
"Developing a new Cognac is every cellar master's dream, and developing D'USSÉ was the honour of my lifetime," said Michel Casavecchia. "Agathe has worked tirelessly to understand the brand's fundamental character and spirit. With her unwavering commitment to tradition and passion for new discoveries, I trust she will carry on this legacy and usher in the next generation with a courageous and contemporary sensibility."
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