Cognac
Type of brandy
Template:Infobox alcoholic beverage
Cognac is a type of brandy named after the town of Cognac in France. It is produced in the surrounding wine-growing region in the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime. Cognac production falls under French appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) designation, with production methods and naming required to meet certain legal requirements.
Production[edit | edit source]
Cognac is made from white wine that is very dry, acidic, and thin. Though it is made from grapes, it is distilled twice in copper pot stills and aged at least two years in French oak barrels from Limousin or Tronçais. The production process is strictly regulated by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC).
Grapes[edit | edit source]
The primary grape used in the production of cognac is Ugni blanc, known locally as Saint-Emilion. Other permitted grape varieties include Folle blanche and Colombard.
Distillation[edit | edit source]
The wine is distilled twice in traditional copper pot stills known as "alambic charentais." The first distillation, known as "brouillis," results in a liquid with an alcohol content of about 30%. The second distillation, called "la bonne chauffe," refines the spirit to about 70% alcohol.
Aging[edit | edit source]
After distillation, the cognac is aged in oak barrels. The aging process imparts flavor and color to the spirit. The length of aging determines the quality and classification of the cognac. The minimum aging period is two years, but many cognacs are aged much longer.
Classifications[edit | edit source]
Cognac is classified based on the length of time it has been aged:
- VS (Very Special): Aged at least two years.
- VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale): Aged at least four years.
- XO (Extra Old): Aged at least ten years.
Regions[edit | edit source]
The Cognac region is divided into six zones, known as "crus," each with its own distinct characteristics:
Notable Brands[edit | edit source]
Some of the most well-known cognac brands include:
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
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