COGNAC PRUNIER

The PRUNIER Family

The first member of the PRUNIER family to start in Cognac Brandy trade was Jean PRUNIER (1665-1732), a « freeman » of La Rochelle (the main port in those days) and a renowned Cognac expert, who began shipping his wines and Cognacs across the world around 1700.

The family remained in La Rochelle and he was succeeded by his son Gabriel PRUNIER (1711-1790) and his grandson Jean PRUNIER (1741-1804). Having acquired vineyards in the Cognac district around de St-Jean-d’Angély, François PRUNIER (1768-1843) moved to the town of Cognac itself (in the early 19th Century) and started to build up the premises, where the Firm still stands today.

This move to Cognac was in fact finalised by another Jean PRUNIER (1816-1872). He had three sons: the first, Alphonse PRUNIER (1850-1918) became head of the family and took in charge the general management of the Company in Cognac.

The second son, Marcel PRUNIER (1860-1916) lived in Central Europe where he acted for the Maison PRUNIER, spending most of his time between the capitals of Vienna and Moscow. The third son, Gaston PRUNIER settled in Australia where he established a branch of the Company based in Melbourne.

Alphonse PRUNIER died in 1918 leaving the PRUNIER family with no direct descendance. His widow, Camille, therefore called upon her nephew, Jean BURNEZ (1897-1969) who took over the management of the Company.

He was succeeded by his son Claude BURNEZ who died in 2011.

Another generation of this main branch of the PRUNIER family now ensures the continuity of this family Firm, which over the years has acquired a long experience of the Cognac trade. Now it's Stephane Burnez who leads the Firm. He follows the way of his ancestor to make a cognac which respect the "terroir".

Time is an ally to cognac

The oaken casks containing the brandy lie for many long years in the heavily charged atmosphere of darkened warehouses. During this time, the action of the wood and of the air, impart to brandy its golden colour and incomparable bouquet and flavour.

Unfortunately, during this process, evaporation at a very high rate takes place. During a year there disappears into the air a volume of Brandy equivalent to the entire consumption of the French market, or, shall we say, approximately one quarter of world consumption.

« La Vieille Maison »

A medieval property owned by the Maison PRUNIER and known as Maison de la Lieutenance, was for many years, the official residence of the Lieutenants General of Cognac. This “Old House” has become the Trade Mark of the Firm, and after careful restoration, symbolizes tradition and quality, the keynotes of PRUNIER Family Reserve.