COGNAC & BRANDY

Cognac is one of the most refined spirits, a special type of brandy named after the French region “Cognac,” which is protected and exclusively produces cognacs made from specific varieties of white grapes.

This French area is divided into six regions where some of the highest-quality grapevines in the world are grown. Depending on the region of origin and the number of years it has aged, cognac receives its specific designation. The regions can be ranked from highest to lowest quality: Grande Champagne, Petit Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois, and Bois Ordinaires.

Cognac must be distilled twice and aged in wide-bottom oak barrels for at least 30 months, and often up to several decades.

There are three main cognac classifications:

• VS – very special cognac that ages for at least two years and may be marked with three stars
• VSOP – very superior old pale cognac that ages for a minimum of four years
• XO – extra old cognac that ages for at least ten years