“Crazy for Cognac!” An In-Depth Look at the Distilled French Spirit.
Cognac has long been the toast of the discerning spirit connoisseur. The ancient drink has earned such an esteemed reputation for its complex, yet smooth, flavors and aromas that it stands confidently among the finest of all spirits. Produced exclusively in the Cognac region of France, this spirit is crafted with a strict adherence to tradition, resulting in a timeless and irrefutably dependable flavor profile. A symbol of luxury and sophistication, Cognac wine is produced from a single region and two white grape varietals. The flavor of Cognac is distinct and unmistakable, the perfect accompaniment to any turn of the century gathering or swanky soiree.
To truly understand what sets Cognac apart from other spirits, one must first become familiar with the unique tradition of Cognac production. To honor the qualities of this ancient spirit, the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Cognac (CIVC) has set a rigorous set of standards and procedures that must be strictly adhered to from the time of the grapes’ planting to the placing of the signature seal on the bottle. In order to be labeled Cognac, a spirit must comply with the following criteria:
* The wine must come from the Cognac appellation in the Southwest of France, strictly following the geographical of the Cognac region.
* Only white Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Folle Blanche grapes can be used in the production, and all grapes must be hand-harvested.
* The distillation process must take place in copper pot stills with double distillation, the second distillation lasting only thirty minutes or less.
* The finished product must have an alcoholic strength between 40% and 50%.
* The minimum aging requirement is two years in oak barrels, but most Cognac spirits are aged for longer periods of time to achieve more refined flavor.
The strict regulations and region-specific guidelines governing the production of Cognac wine create an incredibly refined spirit. To enjoy Cognac to its fullest, an understanding of the complexities of its production must be attained, as well as the four proprietary classifications: V.S. (or three stars), V.S.O.P., XO and vintage.
V.S., a three-star Cognac, is aged for a minimum of two years and is intended for a more casual drinking experience. Aged V.S. Cognac offers a smooth blend of citric fruits, nuts and spicy aromas. V.S.O.P., also known as Réserve, is aged for at least four years and offers a more complex flavor profile than V.S. Notes of rich honey, hazelnuts, figs, and subtle floral aromas may be detected in a V.S.O.P. Cognac.
XO, or Extra Old, Cognac is blended with spirits that have been aged for at least six years and some brands contain spirits that have been aged for decades. The XO is characterized by its incredibly smooth finish, and may provide hints of wood, tobacco, orange peel, and other complex herbal and spice aromas. For true connoisseurs, vintage Cognac is the creme de la creme. Bottled from a single vintage and noted for its rich flavor and nuances, vintage Cognac offers an unforgettable drinking experience.
With a flavor that only comes from years of experience and a seemingly never-ending list of possible combinations, it is no surprise that Cognac has become synonymous with luxury and refinement. Whether on the rocks, in a classic brandy old-fashioned or simply on its own, watch as the warmth of the sip takes over your senses and transports you to a timeless place in the French countryside. So pour yourself a glass of Cognac, sit back and enjoy the luxuries of bygone years in style.
Cheers!