Rémy Martin is a leading Cognac brand, founded in 1724 by the winemaker of the same name. It is a specialist in Fine Champagne Cognac, produced from grapes grown only on the chalky soils of the two best areas of Cognac, Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, which are noted for their aging potential. The company also promotes its aging processes; its minimum is 10 years for the Grand Cru VS Supérieur, compared with the sector standard of six years. The VS, VSOP and XO represent the core range, although there are several more-permanent products in a separate duty-free portfolio, and various special and limited editions are also released. In 1980, Rémy Martin was the first was the first foreign winemaker to venture into China at the beginning of the period of economic reform, and formed only the second international joint venture of any kind in the Communist era. The brand became known there as réntóumӑ – "man-headed horse" – after the distinctive centaur logo which appears on bottles. Between 1990 and 1991, the company merged with Cointreau to create Rémy Cointreau, a group which now includes other well-known spirit brands such as Mount Gay rum and Bruichladdich whisky.