What is Cognac?
Cognac is a type of brandy, or distilled grape wine, created in the Cognac region of south-western France. It is produced in the Charente and Charente-Maritime departments of southwest France. The spirit is double or even triple-distilled from white grape varieties, primarily Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard. Each Cognac is aged in oak barrels, where it develops its distinctive flavors, colors, and aromas. Cognac is single distilled and aged in oak barrels fashioned from the local woods of Limousin, Tronçais, and Vosges. The barrels impart aged flavors and colors that become more complex with increasing aging.
History of Cognac
Cognac has been around since the early 17th century, when it was first produced by Irish distillers who had fled their country. Legend has it that cognac was first distilled in the Monastery of Sainte-Hermine, near Cognac. The very first cognacs were known as “Brandy de Fins Bois” and were distilled from light white wines grown in the area.
Over the years, the process of producing cognac has evolved. Now, cognac is typically aged in three different types of oak barrels, the Tronçais, Vosges, and Limousin. The unique combination of the wood and the climate of the region gives cognac a distinct, smooth taste. The most expensive brandies are aged a minimum of five years but can be aged anywhere from 10-50 years, depending on the producer and the blend.
The Different Grades of Cognac
Cognac has a grading system based on age. The ages indicate how long the cognac has been aged in the barrel, and each one is distinct in its flavor profile.
VS (Very Special): This grade has a minimum aging time of two years in oak barrels. It usually contains a blend of many eaux-de-vie.
VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale): This grade must have a minimum aging time of four years in oak barrels. This cognac has a slightly more robust flavor profile than VS, as multiple eaux-de-vie from different vintages as well as terroir are incorporated into the blend.
XO (Extra Old): This grade is a minimum of six years but can be up to 50 years old. The term “Extra Old” refers to a blend of many eaux-de-vie from different regions. The result is something that has a much more complex flavor profile and is often an acquired taste.
Legends That Have Aged In Cognac’s Finest Oak Barrels For Generations
Hennessy: Hennessy is one of the oldest and most iconic names in cognac. Founded in 1765, they have been crafting and aging their cognacs in the renowned town of Cognac for generations using only Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard grapes. They offer a full range of cognac varieties aged from two to over 200 years in oak barrels.
Rémy Martin: Rémy Martin is another iconic name in cognac. Founded in 1724, they have been making cognac in the town of Cognac for nearly three centuries. They age their cognacs for a minimum two years and offer a range of expressions aged from two to over 50 years.
Martell: The house of Martell was founded in 1715 and was the first Cognac house to export around the world. The company has continued to innovate, diversify, and expand its portfolio of cognacs over the centuries by using oak barrels crafted from Limousin, Tronçais, and Vosges forests. They have a range of cognacs aged from two to over 50 years.
Hine: The house of Hine was founded in 1763 and has been creating exceptional cognacs aged in oak barrels for generations. Hine is known for its unique production methods, which include maturing the cognacs in wood casks fashioned from Limousin oak. Their range of cognacs is aged from two to over 200 years.
Cognac Frapin: Cognac Frapin was founded in 1270, making it one of the oldest cognac houses. They produce cognacs from grapes that are grown in the Grande Champagne area of Cognac and age them in oak barrels for a minimum of two years. The house of Frapin also has a range of cognacs aged between two and 50 years.
Conclusion
Cognac is a type of brandy, or distilled grape wine, created in the Cognac region of south-western France. It has been around since the early 17th century, when it was first produced by Irish distillers who had fled their country. Over the years, the process of producing cognac has evolved, and it is usually aged in three different types of oak barrels, the Tronçais, Vosges, and Limousin. The spirit is graded based on its age and has a distinct flavor profile based on how long it was aged. There are a number of well-known cognac houses that produce some of the finest spirits on the market, some of which have been aging their products in oak barrels for generations. These brands are well-known for their premium quality and unique flavor profiles and make for a perfect addition to any connoisseur’s liquor cabinet.
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