Meeting Audrey Normandin

Cognac Normandin Mercier, a family story

Audrey carries on the legacy of five generations of the Normandin-Mercier family. Alongside her brother Édouard, the cellar master, they produce and market the family’s cognacs and pineaus just outside La Rochelle. Audrey Normandin was practically born into the world of cognac, growing up at the Domaine de la Péraudière in Dompierre-sur-Mer, which served as her childhood playground. Today, she and her brother are running the show!

Audrey Normandin

Cellar Master

    Starting over and starting stronger

    "I was born in Dompierre, and I studied in La Rochelle, where I gained a postgraduate degree in Chinese. After a year in the United States to improve my English, I went to Wuhan, then Canton, to sell cognac in China. It was an incredible opportunity to travel and live by my own rules! I wanted to see what I was capable of, so I chose a more challenging path by going abroad.

    In Paris, I sold our products to wine merchants and restaurants before heading to Casablanca. In Morocco, with four children, I dedicated much of my time to family: school, activities, and taxi services! In 2018, we settled in the Laleu district of La Rochelle, and I joined Édouard to help grow the estate."
     

    A family story

    "The name Normandin-Mercier comes from the founder, Jules Normandin, and his wife, Justine Mercier. From the very beginning of this adventure, there was also a woman involved—hence the double surname!

    Today, the family still owns 100% of the Maison Normandin-Mercier and the Domaine de la Péraudière, where we’re preparing to plant vineyards in the winter of 2025—a major project. In five years, our organic pineau will be truly local, made from grapes grown right on the estate. Our organic range, agroforestry practices, commitment to biodiversity, and beehives all reflect the estate’s long-standing dedication—led by Édouard.

    As for cognac production, we select white eaus-de-vie from the Petite and Grande Champagne vineyards. Blending and aging are done entirely on the estate. After a minimum of seven years, our youngest cognac is ready. Our oldest, on the other hand, is over 100 years old and still aging in casks in the cellar."

    A local story

    "Our ancestor settled here to be closer to the port of La Rochelle—for export purposes, but also for the coastal climate, as the humidity gives cognac its smoothness and roundness. A cognac aged inland and one aged by the sea will, over time, develop into two radically different products.

    The story of the Maison Normandin-Mercier began with cognac, then came pineau, and now our honey cognac liqueur, crafted with honey and cognac from the estate. I’m truly happy to see that, year after year, we’re able to share our passion and values with an ever-growing number of visitors."

    The art of tasting

    "People often think cognac is just an after-dinner liqueur, which is a real shame, because I don't think it's the best moment to appreciate its finesse and complexity. I personally prefer it as an aperitif. That’s why our tasting sessions usually take place in the late morning, just before lunch, when the palate is at its most receptive to aromas."

    "A young cognac is perfect in a cocktail or even served chilled! Just like pineau, which makes for delicious (and budget-friendly) cocktails. At the table, cognac is wonderful with oysters, gravlax salmon, raw fish, or even duck. It also pairs beautifully with strong cheeses. And an aged pineau with foie gras or chocolate? Absolutely sublime!"

    Portrait

    • Her signature trait: optimism and passion
    • Her biggest flaw: stubbornness
    • Her motto: “Do the best you can!”
    • Her favourite place: the estate. It’s our childhood home, the place where the family lives. I love it as I would love a person.
    • Her vision for the future: to carry on the tradition passed down by generations who dedicated their lives to the estate despite wars and hardships, to ensure continuity and pass on the passion.

    Audrey’s recommendations

    Places to visit in La Rochelle

    • Chef-de-Baie beach for a winter swim
    • A stroll along the Concurrence beach promenade

    Top picks

    • Le Pompon bar-brasserie
    • Le Bar André
    • Le Café Molière
    • La Maison des Ambassadeurs hotel
    • Au Bon Temps restaurant

    Wine merchants

    • Aux Tours des Vins – La Rochelle marketplace
    • Raisins et Bulles – Place Saint-Maurice or Tasdon
    • La Joie du Vin – La Rochelle marketplace

    Thematic

    Written by

    Nathalie Maynadier