why is cognac called cognac

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What is Cognac Cognac?

Defining Champagne Cognac Cognac, a region in southwest France that sits just north of the region of Bordeaux, is renowned for producing the world’s finest brandy, or “Cognac”. Champagne, a region in Northern France, is famous for its fine sparkling wines or “Champagne”.

How do you pronounce Cognac brandy?

Cognac (/ˈkɒnjæk/ KON-yak or /ˈkoʊnjæk/ KOHN-yak ; French pronunciation: ​[kɔ.ɲak]) is a variety of brandy named after the town of Cognac, France. It is produced in the surrounding wine-growing region in the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime.

What is Armagnac called in English?

Armagnac, Vinjak. Website. cognac .fr /en. Cognac ( / ˈkɒnjæk / KON-yak, also US: / ˈkoʊn -, ˈkɔːn -/ KOHN-, KAWN-, French: [kɔɲak] ( listen)) is a variety of brandy named after the commune of Cognac, France. It is produced in the surrounding wine-growing region in the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime .

Is Cognac AOC the same as brandy?

If a brandy producer located in the Cognac AOC follows all BINC standards, including meeting production and distillation requirements, their brandy can officially be called “Cognac”. How does a Cognac get to be called Champagne Cognac?

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Why is it called a cognac?

Cognac (/ˈkɒnjæk/ KON-yak, also US: /ˈkoʊn-, ˈkɔːn-/ KOHN-, KAWN-, French: [kɔɲak] ( listen)) is a variety of brandy named after the commune of Cognac, France. It is produced in the surrounding wine-growing region in the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime.

Why is brandy called cognac?

What is cognac? Cognac is a specific type of brandy, just like bourbon is a style of whiskey. Named after the Cognac region of France, this style of aged brandy is among the most revered in the world.

How is cognac different from brandy?

As previously mentioned, brandy is distilled fruit juice, and it can be any kind of fruit juice, while cognac is a specific type of distilled fruit juice with lots of qualifications. Cognac comes from the Cognac region of southwestern France, and is made with a fruit juice base of white grapes.

What Cognac means?

Definition of cognac : a brandy from the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime distilled from white wine.

What is VSOP stand for?

Very Superior Old PaleVSOP stands for “Very Superior Old Pale”: VSOP cognacs are created from eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years. The VSOP category includes designations such as “Old” or “Reserve”. XO stands for “Extra Old”: XO cognacs are made only from eaux-de-vie at least six years old.

Is Hennessy a brandy or cognac?

No, it's not a whiskey. Contrary to popular confusion, Hennessy is not a whiskey but is instead a type of brandy. The term brandy refers to a spirit distilled from a fermented fruit juice, be it grape or other fruits such as apple (used to make apple brandies like Calvados).

What does XO mean in brandy?

Extra OldXO stands for “Extra Old”: XO cognacs are made only from eaux-de-vie at least six years old. Cognacs such as “Napoleon” or “Old Reserve” are equivalent to XO cognac.

Is Grand Marnier a cognac?

Grand Marnier is a sophisticated blend of cognac and exotic bitter orange.

What is better VS or VSOP?

The designations you see on Cognac labels—VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) and XO (Extra Old)—are a guarantee of how long a Cognac has been aged. VS indicates that the Cognac has been aged at least two years, VSOP at least four years and XO (Extra Old) at least six years.

What makes cognac so special?

Cognacs are born from a blend of terroir, know-how and passion, says Boileau. “The grapes from a specific region, double distillation in copper stills on an open flame, long aging process in oak casks, and the patience in terms of time all make cognac special.

Does cognac expire?

According to our spirit experts, cognac's shelf life is indefinite. Since it contains a high alcohol percentage, contamination by bacteria or microbes is almost impossible. However, it does not mean that cognac can retain its flavor and taste for a long time.

What type of person drinks cognac?

Who30- to 49-year-olds drink the most Cognac, accounting for 57% of servings.Cognac skews male (78% of servings, 73% of monthly drinkers), and this skew has been growing in recent years.More items...•

What does XO mean in brandy?

Extra OldXO stands for “Extra Old”: XO cognacs are made only from eaux-de-vie at least six years old. Cognacs such as “Napoleon” or “Old Reserve” are equivalent to XO cognac.

Is brandy a cognac or whiskey?

Brandies are made from grape or fruit wine. Whiskey is made from grain. Cognac is a type of brandy. All cognacs are brandy, but not all brandies are cognac.

What criteria must be present for a brandy to be considered a cognac?

For a brandy to be called Cognac, it must be made from specified grape varieties grown in the AOC (a majority of Ugni Blanc, with small portions of Colombard and Folle Blanche allowed), double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged at least two years in Limousin or Tronçais oak barrels.

Can you use brandy instead of cognac?

What can I use to replace cognac? To replace cognac in cooking you can use brandy, sherry, or white wine. For an alcohol-free ingredient, you can use brandy extract, or the juice from peach, apricot, or pears. As a drink, brandy will work fine in cocktails and it can also be sipped on its own.

What is a cognac?

Cognac ( / ˈkɒnjæk / KON-yak, also US: / ˈkoʊn -, ˈkɔːn -/ KOHN-, KAWN-, French: [kɔɲak] ( listen)) is a variety of brandy named after the commune of Cognac, France. It is produced in the surrounding wine-growing region in the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime .

What is a cognac based drink?

Pineau des Charentes: a sweet apéritif, composed of eau-de-vie and grape must, made in the Charente region. Domaine de Canton: a cognac based ginger liqueur.

How is Cognac age calculated?

The age of the cognac is calculated as that of the youngest component used in the blend. The blend is usually of different ages and (in the case of the larger and more commercial producers) from different local areas. This blending, or marriage, of different eaux de vie is important to obtain a complexity of flavours absent from an eau de vie from a single distillery or vineyard. Each cognac house has a master taster ( maître de chai ), who is responsible for blending the spirits, so that cognac produced by a company will have a consistent house style and quality. In this respect, it is similar to the process of blending whisky or non-vintage Champagne to achieve a consistent brand flavor. A very small number of producers, such as Guillon Painturaud and Moyet, do not blend their final product from different ages of eaux de vie, so produce a "purer" flavour. Hundreds of vineyards in the Cognac AOC region sell their own cognac. These are likewise blended from the eaux de vie of different years, but they are single-vineyard cognacs, varying slightly from year to year and according to the taste of the producer, hence lacking some of the predictability of the better-known commercial products. Depending on their success in marketing, small producers may sell a larger or smaller proportion of their product to individual buyers, wine dealers, bars and restaurants, the remainder being acquired by larger cognac houses for blending.

What are the different grades of cognac?

According to the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), the official quality grades of cognac are: 1 V.S. (Very Special) or ✯✯✯ (three stars) designates a blend in which the youngest brandy has been aged for at least two years in a cask. 2 V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale) or Reserve designates a blend in which the youngest brandy is aged for at least four years in a cask. 3 Napoléon designates a blend in which the youngest brandy is aged for at least six years. 4 XO (Extra Old) The minimum age of the youngest brandy used in an XO blend was increased to 10 years in April 2018; this rule was originally scheduled for implementation in 2016, but was postponed due to inadequate stocks. The Napoleon designation, previously unofficial, is used to specifically denote those blends with a minimum age of six years that do not meet the revised XO definition. 5 XXO (Extra Extra Old) is a specific indication given to wine spirits that have been aged for at least 14 years. 6 Hors d'âge (Beyond Age) is a designation which BNIC states is equal to XO, but in practice the term is used by producers to market a high-quality product beyond the official age scale.

What is the wine used in making cognac?

The white wine used in making cognac is very dry, acidic, and thin; though it has been characterized as "virtually undrinkable", it is excellent for distillation and aging. It may be made only from a strict list of grape varieties. For it to be considered a true cru, the wine must be at least 90% Ugni blanc (known in Italy as Trebbiano ), Folle blanche and Colombard, while up to 10% of the grapes used can be Folignan, Jurançon blanc, Meslier St-François (also called Blanc Ramé), Sélect, Montils, or Sémillon. Cognacs which are not to carry the name of a cru are freer in the allowed grape varieties, needing at least 90% Colombard, Folle blanche, Jurançon blanc, Meslier Saint-François, Montils, Sémillon, or Ugni blanc, and up to 10% Folignan or Sélect.

Why are the grades of cognac in English?

Most names of the grades are in english because the historical cognac trade, particularly in the 18th century, significantly involved the British.

What is the name of the brandy after distillation?

Cognac is a type of brandy, and after the distillation and during the aging process, is also called eau de vie. It is produced by twice distilling grape produced in any of the designated growing regions.

How is Cognac made?

To make Cognac, the white wine goes through a double distillation process. The distillation has to be made always in a Charentais pot still which is made with copper. Each distillation takes about 12 hours. The wine is placed into the boiler and heated by gas. The vapors go up to the head still, cross the swan’s neck pipe into the wine warmer, and then arrives at the cooling coil. This cooling coil will be flushed with cold water to condense the vapors. These vapors then turn into the first liquid, having an alcohol content of 27% to 30%. The first liter (the head) and the last liter (the tail) are removed and that liquid is distilled again. At the end of the second distillation, again the first liter and the last liter are removed. The “heart” of this liquid has reached 70% alcohol. This is called eau-di-vie. To make one liter of eau-di-vie, it takes nine liters of wine. That takes twelve kilos (26.5 pounds) of grapes to produce that amount of wine. This process is the same as it was when the cellar masters created this process in the 16th century.

Where is Cognac from?

Cognac is a variety of distilled brandy (alcoholic beverage) named after the town of Cognac in France.

What is the most widely used grape in Cognac?

In particular, it must be made from specified grapes, of which Ugni Blanc (known locally as Saint-Emilion) is the one most widely used. Cognac is made mostly from grapes called ugni blanc. Ugni blanc gives us acidic wine that is low in alcohol – between 7.5 and 10.5%. So this is used to only create cognac, not to drink it. There are other varieties that are used named folle blanche and colombard. But about 98% of cognac is ugni blanc .

What is the fragrance in warehouses?

The fragrance in warehouses is the evaporation of the eau-di-vie. This evaporation is called the “angel’s share”. And it is this evaporation that feeds a fungus that blackens the walls of the warehouses.

What is the alcohol content of wine?

Today stainless steel vats are used. For the fermentation, yeast is added. As a result, the wine has a low alcohol content between 7.5 and 10.5%. And due to the regulations set up by the BNIC, this wine has to be distilled before March 31st.

What is fine cognac?

Fine Champagne Cognac. A Cognac is called a “Fine Champagne Cognac” when it contains a blend of eaux-de-vie from both Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. At least 50% of the blend have to be from the Grande Champagne. When the word Champagne is used on a Cognac, it will either be preceded by the word, Grande, Petite, or Fine.

Why is Champagne so important on a Cognac label?

Grapes grown in the chalky soils of both Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne tend to create an eau-de-vie that is superior to those of their neighbors. The other terroirs, Fins Bois, Bons Bois, Bois Ordinaires, and Borderies have different soil composition–they’re not chalky in the way the Grande and Petite Champagne are.

What is the growth area of a Cognac bottle?

Growth Area ‘Champagne’. The name Champagne on a Cognac bottle refers to its origin, namely the growth area the grapes were grown in. There are six growth areas–or “terroirs”–in total, and the two that are considered to produce the finest eau-de-vie are named Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne.

What is Grande Fine Champagne?

This means the blend or vintage contains 100% eaux-de-vie from the Grande or the Petite Champagne. It basically means exactly the same thing is simply “Grande Champagne Cognac” or “Petite Champagne Cognac.”

Which Cognac house is famous for producing only fine Champagne Cognac?

This simply denotes the terroir in which the grapes were grown. The Cognac house that is famous for producing only Fine Champagne Cognac is Rémy Martin. They pride themselves on the belief that it is the most delicate and complex blend of Cognac.

Where is Jacki from Cognac Expert?

Jacki has been with Cognac Expert from virtually the beginning. She's the senior editor of the blog, and has spent much of her life living in rural France. Today she's based back in the UK, where she splits her working life between writing for Cognac Expert and working as a Paramedic at a large regional hospital.

Where is Champagne made?

It can only carry the name Champagne if it is produced in the Champagne region of Northern France, and is made adhering to very strict rules. These rules are laid out by the drink’s ruling body, the Comite Interprofessional du Vin de Champagne, or CIVC.

The Grapes and Their Regions

The area around the commune of Cognac, France, is divided into six grape-growing regions within the Charente and Charente-Maritime departments.

The Age Scale

Cognacs are classified into a few general categories: VS, or very special, must be aged at least two years; VSOP, or very superior old pale, must be aged at least four years; and XO, or extra-old, must be aged at least ten years as of 2018. Note again that these age requirements pertain to the youngest cognac used in the blend and not the oldest.

How to Drink It

As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to reserve older cognacs for sipping neat, with perhaps a drop or two of water to open them up. Younger cognacs are perfect for mixing and are the base of many classic cocktails, including the Sidecar, the Between the Sheets and even the original Mint Julep.

Noteworthy Brands

Camus, Courvoisier, Conjure, Delamain, Hardy, Hennessy, Hine, Landy, Louis Royer, Martell, Pierre Ferrand, Rémy Martin, Bache-Gabrielsen, Hine, D’Ussé

Where does Cognac come from?

For a brandy to be considered ‘Cognac’ it must originate in the Cognac Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) that was established in 1936. The grapes used to make Cognac must come from one of the six designated growing areas or ‘crus’ located in the Cognac region.

What is the difference between Cognac and Champagne?

Cognac, a region in southwest France that sits just north of the region of Bordeaux, is renowned for producing the world’s finest brandy, or “Cognac”. Champagne, a region in Northern France, is famous for its fine sparkling wines or “Champagne”. Cognac and champagne are synonymous for fine brandy and sparkling wine, respectively.

What is fine cognac made of?

Fine Champagne Cognac, thus is produced from a blend of Grande and Petite Champagne eau-de-vie. To be considered Grande Champagne Cognac, all BINC standards must be met and 100% of the eau de vie must come from Grande Champagne.

What are the six Cognac crus?

The six Cognac crus include: Borderies, Fins Bois (the largest appellation) Bons Bois and Bois Ordinaires, Bois à terroirs, Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. In addition to the requirement that the grapes must come from one of the six approved appellations, Cognac must also must be made from grapes blended from 90% eau de vie from Ugni Blanc, ...

What is brandy called in AOC?

If a brandy producer located in the Cognac AOC follows all BINC standards, including meeting production and distillation requirements, their brandy can officially be called “Cognac”.

Where is Champagne Cognac made?

Champagne Cognac does not mean brandy with bubbles or brandy that is produced in the sparkling wine region of Champagne in the north of France. Rather, Champagne Cognac is Cognac that is produced from grapes grown in two appellations located within the Cognac region, the Grande Champagne and/or the Petit Champagne appellations.

Is Cognac a sparkling wine?

Cognac and champagne are synonym ous for fine brandy and spark ling wine, respective ly. For a brandy to be called ‘Cognac’ or a sparkling wine ‘champagne’, however, the product must originate from these regions and, in the case of Cognac, must be produced in accordance with the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BINC) standards.

What is the oldest Cognac?

Originally established in 1643, Augier is currently the world’s the oldest Cognac house. However, they’re currently pushing 3 Cognacs, emphasising a flavour profile rather than displaying any information about age. I found the Oceanique to be a bit raw, malty, and balancing elements of coconut and vanilla with a saltier, grapefruit-bitter edge. The Singulier is waxier and fruity (think dates, figs, and strawberries), and the Sauvage manages to combine earthy, nutty flavors with marzipan, apples, and pears while still feeling rather soft.

How did Hardy's Cognac get its name?

Hardy’s, established in 1863, gets its name from its founder, an English wine importer who loved Cognac so much he changed his name from Anthony to Antoine. Both the Hardy Cognacs I tried were excellent. The Legend 1863 combines citrus, spice, mint, with the oak that comes through. On the higher end , the 25 year old Noces d’Argent is a delight. Nutty and floral while also goopy and sharp like orange marmalade, all the good stuff from older Cognacs is present, including the tannins, wood, and a hint of cereal malt.

Where does Cognac come from?

Where do they come from? Cognac must come from the Cognac region in Southwest France, which is known for its superior terroir (the soil, climate, and topography that contribute to grape-growing conditions). Brandy can come from anywhere in the world.

What are the flavors of cognac?

Sipping cognac and brandy straight might give flavors of fruits like apricots, oranges, and lemons. Aged cognacs typically add notes of flowers and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.

How to make a brandy cocktail?

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shake. Fill with ice. Shake well and strain into cocktail glass with a sugared rim. Brandy, of course, can also be sipped neat or in cocktails (the Jack Rose is among the most popular). Sipping cognac and brandy straight might give flavors of fruits like apricots, oranges, and lemons.

How long does Cognac last in oak?

Cognac must be aged for at least 2 years in French oak, at which point it's labeled "V.S. (Very Special).". After that, these distinctions that break down a bottle's age and quality: V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale): the youngest brandy in the blend must be aged at least four years in oak.

Is Cognac a brandy?

Victor Hugo called cognac the " liquor of the gods .". It's become known as a symbol of French luxury, the best brandy money can buy (yes, cognac is a brandy). Here's a primer on the liquors.

How old is a bottle of Cognac?

Much of the difference between bottles has to do with how long they are aged. Younger VS, or “very special,” cognac is blended from brandies at least two years old, while an XO cognac, or "extra-old" cognac, gets its rich depth because it must be aged at least six years. The VSOP, or “very superior old pale” Cognacs, blended from four-year and older brandies, are right in the middle, with characteristics of both youth and age.

What are the flavors of cognac?

“There are fruit and flowers, great esters, oak notes, and developed flavors that are rich, round, and earthy, all in the bottle for you,” says Kellie Thorn, a Certified Cognac Educator and the Cocktail Director for chef Hugh Acheson’s restaurants. “So they’re so fun to mix with.”

What is Bache-Gabrielsen's VS cognac?

Bache-Gabrielsen's VS cognac is produced from a blend of ugni blanc grapes from the Fins Bois, Petite Champagne, and Grande Champagne crus. “Delicious apple, cinnamon, and plum” is how Ms. Franky describes its flavor. “It’s youthful and a little coarse, but it won’t get lost in a cocktail.” In fact, it’s Kellie Thorn’s choice of cognac for her go-to “brunch drink”: cognac and apple juice. “Younger, vibrant, fruity cognacs like this have a little edge to them when neat, so they can seem sharp,” she says. “But when you mix this into a long cocktail like a highball, all the beautiful fruit and floral characteristics lengthen out, and the bubbles lift them up.” Try it with grapefruit soda, sparkling cider or wine, tonic, or soda water.

What is Ugni Blanc made of?

Made from grapes— primarily high-acid, low-alcohol ugni blanc variety—that are fermented, twice-distilled, and then matured in oak barrels before blending and bottling, this brandy from France’s Cognac region is not just for sipping after dinner by the fire. In fact, it’s one of the widest-ranging spirits categories out there.

Where does Ehrmann's Cognac come from?

The grapes are sourced from rediscovered vineyards located in a part of the Cognac cru of Bois Ordinaires that reaches out into the Atlantic Ocean off France’s western coast.

Is VS cognac expensive?

A really youthful cognac can often taste hot and alcoholic, says Thorn, so though VS cognac is less expensive, it might turn off beginners. Instead, she suggests spending a bit more money to invest in a cognac with some age on it. “I love the Hine Rare VSOP,” she says. It’s great for both tall, light cocktails and more spirit-forward drinks. But to get the most out of it, novices should try it on its own. Almond skin, dried petals, and plenty of fruit meet a luscious mouthfeel and round, nutty flavors. “It’s a lovely sipping spirit with very well-balanced, beautiful characteristics,” says Thorn.

Overview

Production process

Grades

Producing regions

Companies and brands

Cognac-based drinks

See also

External links