After maceration is completed, the marcs are pressed and conserved ready for distillation. We carry out our own traditional distillation using a hundred-year-old copper column still. A single batch distillation process is used to preserve the aromatic authenticity of the different Rhône Valley terroirs. The eau-de-vie (70% alc.Vol.) is then aged for 15 to 20 years in 228 litre barrels (pièces) and 600 litre barrels (demi-muids) made of fine-grained French oak which previously held our finest red and white wines. This ageing adds empyreumatic, spice and undergrowth notes to the elegant, fruity bouquet and the liquid takes on an intense golden colour with copper tints. On the palate, the fiery character gradually gives over to softness. Over the years, the gradual evaporation of the alcohol (the “angels’ shar”) results in a natural reduction of the alcohol to between 40 and 45% alc.Vol. This Marc Egrappé is a blend of eaux-de-vie de marc from our terroirs in the Northern and Southern Rhône Valley: Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, Châteauneuf-du-Pape...