Ciroc X Ten Vodka 1L

Ciroc X Ten Vodka 1L is a premium French grape-based vodka bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 1-liter format. What distinguishes this limited expression from the core Ciroc range is its use of first-harvest 2013 vintage grapes, lending it a singular freshness and depth not found in the standard bottling.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: France  |  Style: Grape-Based, Five-Times Distilled  |  Distillery: Distillerie de Chevanceaux

Production & Heritage

Ciroc is produced at the Distillerie de Chevanceaux in southwestern France and owned by Diageo. Unlike the vast majority of vodkas — which rely on grain, potato, or maize — Ciroc is distilled entirely from fine French grapes, specifically Mauzac Blanc from the Gaillac region and Ugni Blanc from the Cognac region. The spirit undergoes five distillations: the first four in modern column stills for purity, followed by a fifth and final pass through a traditional copper pot still, a technique more commonly associated with Cognac production. The X Ten expression takes this foundation further by incorporating first-harvest grapes from the 2013 vintage, marking a specific moment in time and terroir within the bottle.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with clean, alluring floral notes and fresh white grape. A crisp hint of citrus follows, giving it a bright, inviting character that signals the grape-based origin immediately.

Taste: The entry is delicately crisp and noticeably smooth, with white grape and subtle floral tones arriving first. At mid-palate, whispers of dragon fruit and papaya introduce an unexpected tropical dimension, while a dry, clean backbone keeps everything balanced. A touch of citrus richness rounds out the peak, accompanied by just a murmur of sweetness.

Finish: Fresh and refreshing, the finish is medium in length with a clean, almost palate-cleansing quality. Lingering notes of white grape and soft florals fade gracefully without any harsh heat.

How to Drink Ciroc X Ten

Serve chilled and neat to appreciate the vintage grape character and the subtle tropical and floral nuances that the 2013 first-harvest grapes impart. A single large ice cube also works well, opening up the citrus notes slightly as the spirit dilutes. For cocktails, the grape-based profile offers a distinctive twist on classics:

• Vodka Martini: The natural dryness and floral aromatics make it a refined base, requiring minimal vermouth to shine.
• French 75 (vodka variation): The inherent grape character harmonizes seamlessly with Champagne, lemon, and simple syrup.
• Cosmopolitan: The tropical fruit undertones complement cranberry and triple sec without being overshadowed.

Best For

• Gifting a vodka enthusiast who values provenance and vintage-specific spirits
• Hosting an upscale cocktail evening where the base spirit needs to stand on its own
• Collectors seeking limited or vintage-dated expressions from established brands
• Side-by-side tastings comparing grain-based and grape-based vodkas

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ciroc X Ten taste like? Ciroc X Ten delivers a smooth, crisp profile led by white grape and floral notes, with subtle tropical fruit — dragon fruit and papaya — adding an unexpected layer. It finishes clean and refreshing with no lingering heat.

How does Ciroc X Ten compare to Grey Goose? Both are premium French vodkas, but they differ fundamentally in raw material: Ciroc X Ten is distilled from Mauzac Blanc and Ugni Blanc grapes, while Grey Goose uses soft winter wheat from Picardy. This gives Ciroc X Ten a more fruit-forward, floral character compared to Grey Goose's creamy, grain-driven smoothness.

Is Ciroc X Ten good for sipping neat? Yes — the five-times-distilled smoothness and grape-derived aromatics make it one of the more rewarding vodkas to drink neat, particularly when served well chilled. The vintage-specific character gives it a complexity that rewards slow sipping.

Where is Ciroc X Ten made? Ciroc X Ten is produced at the Distillerie de Chevanceaux in southwestern France. The grapes used in its production — Mauzac Blanc and Ugni Blanc — are sourced from the Gaillac and Cognac regions, two of France's most storied viticultural areas.

What foods pair well with Ciroc X Ten? Fresh oysters and raw seafood complement the crisp, clean profile. Goat cheese or mild chèvre echoes the French provenance and matches the floral notes. Seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc mirror the tropical fruit undertones. Melon and prosciutto picks up on the subtle sweetness. Light sushi, particularly yellowtail or fluke, works with the grape-driven freshness.

What sizes does Ciroc X Ten come in? This expression is available in a 1-liter bottle, and Ciroc products are also commonly found in standard 750ml and 375ml formats depending on market availability.

Is Ciroc X Ten worth the price? Ciroc X Ten positions as a premium-to-ultra-premium vodka, sitting above the standard Ciroc offering due to its vintage-specific 2013 first-harvest grape sourcing. For drinkers who appreciate provenance-driven spirits and grape-based distillation, it represents meaningful differentiation within the luxury vodka category.

Why Ciroc X Ten?

In a category where most bottles are defined by neutrality, Ciroc X Ten leans into specificity — a named vintage, a defined harvest, and a grape-based distillation method borrowed from the Cognac tradition. The use of 2013 first-harvest Mauzac Blanc and Ugni Blanc grapes ties this spirit to a particular time and place in French viticulture. The fifth distillation in a copper pot still adds texture and aromatic complexity that column-only distillation cannot achieve. For anyone looking for a vodka that genuinely tastes different — and can articulate why — this is among the most compelling options on the shelf.