Cognac - A Fine Brandy From France

The word brandy applies to any grape-based spirit distilled from wine. There are other spirits, brewed and distilled from other fruits which are sometimes referred to as "brandies" however true brandies are distilled from wine.

Cognac

The most famous of all true brandies. It's origins are thought to begin in the 17th century salt was exported from La Rochelle, a port in the West of France. Salt traders from The Netherlands and other parts of Northern Europe became interested in the wines from nearby grape growing region of Charente. To avoid taxes and to make best use of limited cargo space, wines were reduced in volume by evaporation to be reconstituted with water at their destination. However it was noticed that these particular (rather poor and acidic) wines were greatly improved by the reduction process and the technique was refined and evolved into a precise distillation method involving a pot still. The resulting brandy became known as Cognac, named after a small town at the center of Charente.

Production

• Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche or Colombard white grapes are used Ugni Blanc are most widely used variety
• Grapes are carefully pressed after harvest in traditional horizontal plate or pneumatic presses to avoid damaging the grapes as this would result in excessive acidity.
• Fermentaion last 2-3 weeks no sulphur or antioxidants are added as these may taint the finished brandy.
• Wine is distilled twice in a copper pot still before barreling. At 10 gallons of wine result in a gallon of brandy.
• Ageing for a minimum of two years in Limousin oak barrels.

Famous Brands

Martell - Named after Jersey born smuggler Jean Martell who in 1715 turned away from crime to take advantage of the lucrative distilling business. He founded the house that still bears his name.

Courvoiser - along with Martell this is the most widely drunk cognac in the world

Hennessy - Another popular brand

Remy Martin - Also popular

Smaller but no less distinguished companies include Hine and Otard

The Different Qualities of Cognac

The quality of a cognac depends for the most part on the length of time it has been aged. These spirits are almost always blended from several of different ages

VS- (very special) historically known as 3 star and bottle still designated by 3 stars on the label. Must be at least 3 years old but the basic products of the leading companies will contain some significantly older reserves.

VSOP - (very superior old pale) An old British term from the 19th century to denote a particularly fine light coloured spirit. The youngest spirit it contains must be at least 5 years old.

XO - Must be aged in oak for at least 6 years

Other names denoting extremely high quality are invented by the houses themselves. They all at least match XO standards and include Reserve, Extra, Cordon Blue, Paradis and Napoleon.