DJ Zinhle and the timeless champagne

DJ Zinhle recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to the House of Rémy Martin in Cognac, France. This exclusive experience offered a rare and immersive exploration of the renowned champagne brand’s illustrious heritage and luxurious craftsmanship.

Her adventure began amidst the Grande Champagne vineyards, famous for their chalky, white limestone soils, which can retain moisture and reflect sunlight. Notably, Rémy Martin is made exclusively from grapes from the Grande and Petite Champagne terroirs, making it the only major cognac house that can claim to be Cognac Fine Champagne. The unique combination of these regions, along with the hilly terrain, allows the grapes to develop slowly, ensuring the creation of eaux-de-vie with exceptional ageing potential and aromatic complexity.

As DJ Zinhle walked through the vineyards, she was captivated by the symbiosis between nature and art that defines Rémy Martin. She experienced firsthand how the land shapes the elegance and refinement of their cognacs. She gained a deep appreciation for how the fusion of these two central terroirs of the Cognac region contributes to the brand’s signature smoothness, complexity, and long finish.

With the House of Rémy Martin celebrating 300 years of exceptional cognac, and DJ Zinhle marking two decades in the industry, this prestigious partnership was honoured with an experience curated at the highest level, complete with various touchpoints befitting the iconic brand.

“This trip with Rémy Martin came at the perfect time; we have been in partnership for two years, and this year we’re celebrating significant milestones on our journey,” says DJ Zinhle. “The visit to the historic ageing cellars was such a transformative experience. We learned about the delicate balance between time, environment, and the expertise of the cellar masters, which allows the eaux-de-vie to mature into Rémy Martin’s complex cognacs,” added the famous DJ.

She was also deeply impressed by the perpetual reserve system, central to the 300th Anniversary Coupe—an exceptional blend created by Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau. In this process, portions of previous blends are preserved for future creations, ensuring the continuity of exceptional quality.

“I have to say that the connection between the land, the community, and the craft made Rémy Martin’s narrative feel more authentic and timeless for me. This cultural immersion helped me understand how the House’s history is intertwined with the essence of cognac, which has deepened my connection with the brand,” says Zinhle.

The standout tasting note for DJ Zinhle was the rich, candied fruit profile of the 1738 Accord Royal. So inspired by the experience, she created her very first cocktail, called the Rémedy, using Rémy Martin’s 1738 Accord Royal. “This experience has reinforced my genuine appreciation for the versatility of Rémy Martin cognacs and their ability to elevate casual and sophisticated occasions,” she concludes.

THE REMEDY RECIPE

Ingredients

•             40 millilitres 1738 Accord Royal 

•             20 millilitres Verjus

•             10 millilitres of honey syrup

•             10 millilitres of ginger syrup

•             Garnish: ginger slice

Method

•             Pour all the ingredients into a shaker and shake vigorously

•             Serve in a glass full of ice