When Gilles Merlet took over the distillery in 1973, the context was difficult for cognac and planting new vines on the family plots no longer an option. Faced with this heart-breaking reality, he began extensive testing of alternative crops. He came up with a great idea: planting blackcurrant. A real challenge in a region exclusively dedicated to vines and cognac.

The first shrubs were planted in 1979 and success soon followed: the quality of the berries was so exceptional that Gilles, using the family know-how, was able to develop his own crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur), the Crème de Cassis de Saintonge, in 1983. It’s not just the liqueur that was born then: this date also marks the first appearance of the Merlet brand. The Crème de Cassis de Saintonge was quickly followed by a complete range of fruit liqueurs, now widely acclaimed. Since 2015, there even is a Geographical Indication (GI) Crème de Cassis de Saintonge, with its own legal specifications. A genuine recognition of quality!

An entrepreneur whose brain is always bubbling with ideas, Gilles Merlet put every effort in his work in order to permanently anchor innovation at the heart of the distillery’s activities. He launched many new products, combining fruits, liquors or wines, without ever losing sight of more traditional products: the Merlet family also produces Pineau des Charentes, with the same passion. The expertise of this multifaceted man led him to become a consultant and a master distiller for several international spirits brands.