Cognac Brandy

Cognac Brandy, an emblem of France in the world.

Cognac is an eau-de-vie from the Cognac and Charentes region. This alcohol is obtained by distillation of a slightly fermented white grape juice with low alcohol content (boiler wine 7 ° to 9 °) made from the 3 main grape varieties of the zone, namely Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Folle Blanche. .

The white alcohol thus obtained will be placed in new oak barrels. These oaks generally come from the forest of Tronçais or forests of Limousin. Aging must last at least 2 years in the cellars of the appellation air.

The quality of a Cognac is measured according to 2 criteria.

The original nobility of its land.

In the order of finesse and reputation, here are the Cognac vintages: Grande Champagne, Petit Champagne, Borderie, Fin Bois, Bon Bois and finally Bois Ordinaire.

The length of aging in oak barrels.

The legal notices are: VS (Very Special) for 2 years minimum, VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) for 4 years minimum and finally XO (Extra Old) or Napoleon for 6 years minimum.

Large trading houses dominate the market but smaller houses such as Cognac Léonard, Cognac De Luze, Cognac Louis Royer, Cognac Hine are doing well and we must give a special mention to the house Cognac Delamain and its famous sought-after Vesper. by the greatest amateurs.

Pineau des Charentes is an aperitif obtained by blending cognac and grape juice of the year. Cognac can also be consumed as a Long Drink and is used in the composition of many cocktails such as the Champs-Elysées, The Side Car, The Apple Blossom, The Alexander but is also used in cooking for flambé.

Re-discover the modernity of Cognac too long forgotten in France