The initial aroma is firmly structured and a tad baked; following additional air contact the aroma opens up adding charming scents of burnt match, cigar ash, linseed oil and peanuts. The palate entry is smooth and off dry; by midpalate, the bittersweet aspect develops into a honey-like presence. Concludes pleasingly sweet and silky.
- Wine Enthusiast Magazine, December 1, 2005
"Contrary to what you may have heard, vokda is not from potato peels, but from grain - unless it's IDÔL, the vodka for wine lover's. It's made from chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, but still tastes neutral. Distilled seven times, filtered five times, its maker promises superior mixability and smoothness. New this year, it's another entry in the crowded premium-vodka field."
- Hour Detroit, December 1, 2005
"Made from French Burgundy grapes; smooth and clean with spice, vanilla and rich creamy texture."
- Anthony Dias Blue, Patterson's Beverage Journal, April 2006
- Anthony Dias Blue, Blue Lifestyle.com
"A grape-based vodka from France; clean and clear appearance. The initial nasal impact is firmly structured and a tad baked, but with no evidence (unlike rival Ciroc) of its base material; following the seven minute period of additional air contact, the aroma opens up adding charming scents of burnt match/sulphur, cigar ash, linseed oil, and peanuts. The palate entry is very smooth and off-dry; by the midpalate phase, the flavor profile expands to include paraffin, creamery butter, and vegetable oil. Finishes elegantly, creamy smooth, integrated, and oily textured. A far cry from the grapy/citrusy Ciroc and is in fact more vodka-like in the traditional sense. Though vastly different in style, they are equal in terms of quality."
- Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal, September 1, 2005
San Francisco Spirits Competition, March 13, 2005
"Attracted by the potential of the wine-based vodka, a new brand has
joined Diageo’s Ciroc in the sector.
Imported by Boisset America, Idôl is distilled
from Burgundy-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. ‘The grapes are
not just for making fine wines anymore. Idôl is a way to bridge the
gap between wine and vodka drinkers,’ says President Jean-Charles Boisset.
Boisset America entered the realm of super-premium spirits when it purchased
Marie Brizard Wines & Spirits USA in the autumn of 2003. Its intention
now is to expand its presence in the high-quality, super-premium spirits market.
‘We believe there is a strong correlation between high-end distilled
spirits and wines, and our intimate knowledge of Burgundy, its terroir, and
the noble raw ingredients used in Idôl Vodka – Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay grapes – gives us great expertise in developing Idôl,’
Boisset told Drinks International.
With its seven distillations and five filtrations,
Idôl is clearly not a volume line, and the French producer is clearly
aiming to underline the super premium vodka’s quality through consumer
education.
'There is not a limitless supply of our raw
materials – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Burgundy – so we cannot
strive solely for volume,’ says Boisset. ‘Our promotion of Idôl
will focus on unique drink recipes that unite wine and vodka, such as the
Kirtini. We’ll reach out to sommeliers and bartenders at high-end bars
with lifestyle promotions.’ Currently, Idôl is available in 50ml,
750ml, and 1-litre bottle sizes. The 750ml costs US$40.”
- Drinks International, March 2006
"Idôl Vodka, made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from Burgundy, France, is distilled seven times and filtered five times. 'The most noble, unique and rare grapes in the world are not just for making fine wines anymore,' states Jean-Charles Boisset, president of Boisset America. 'Idôl Vodka is a way to bridge the gap between wine and vodka drinkers.” The water for Idôl Vodka comes directly from a spring in the Côte d’Or and is immediately filtered using reverse osmosis. Idôl Vodka possesses a delicate, floral nose with no alcohol smell, a delicate texture and long-lasting, soft finish. The suggested retail price is $40. Idôl Vodka can be enjoyed in martinis, mixed drinks, or chilled with ice.
"- Beverage Media NY, May 2006
"If you are Jean-Charles Boisset of France's Boisset family, you are known to have many projects under your belt. In the U.S. alone there are the acquisitions of California's DeLoach Vineyards and the Seven Peaks brand; and not to forget in October 2003 the acquision of Marie Brizard Wines & Spirits USA. Not one to sit on his laurels, Jean-Charles' latest project is the introduction of IDÔL, an ultra-premium vodka. Originally conceived, created and test marketed since 1999, IDÔL is a grape based vodka made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes of the Burgundy region.
'We hand picked what we hare in our backyard, blended the grapes like a fine wine, slowly distilled them seven times using state-of-the-art equipment, added Burgundy water from the Cote d'Or, filtered five times for purity and smoothness and viola the grande reserve of all vodkas IDÔL,' exclaimed Jean-Charles.
IDÔL is being produced in limited quantities and will be launched in Florida, California and Arizona. The idea behind IDOL was to create a vodka made for wine lovers. IDOL has a unique bouquet with no bitter or harsh taste.
Manny Burnichon, South Atlantic Regional Manager for Boisset America commented, 'Because IDÔL is produced in limited quantities, we are not using a mass marketing approach to introduce it. Initially, IDÔL will be available to about 25 on-premise accounts that are known to carry high end wines. We will gradually add new accounts including off-premise establishments. This is our way of targeting ultra-premium vodka drinkers who appreciate and enjoy fine wines from cutting edge establishments.'
IDÔL will also appeal to those who enjoy new drink sensations. Already, martini cocktails made with IDOL have been created no using vermouth, but wines from the Boisset portfolio: IDÔL Martini (Chardonnay with a lemon twist); Pinotini (IDÔL and pinot noir served in a martini glass) or Zintini (IDÔL and zinfandel with an orange twist). The 80 proof vodka has a suggested retail price of $40.
- Southern Beverage Journal, September 2005
