What is cognac made from
What is Cognac ?
Cognac is a premium amber-colored spirit, known as a type of brandy, but with a uniquely distinguished identity. It is crafted from distilled white wine, using strictly defined methods and specific grape varieties. To earn the name “Cognac,” the spirit must adhere to stringent regulations and be produced within the Cognac region of France, governed by the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. This guarantees the authenticity, quality, and provenance of every bottle.
The Terroir and Its Influence
The Cognac region is divided into six distinct zones, known as “crus,” each with its own soil and climate that contribute unique aromatic qualities to the eaux-de-vie:
Grande Champagne: Known for producing delicate and floral eaux-de-vie with exceptional aging potential.
Petite Champagne: Offers similar qualities to Grande Champagne but with a slightly faster maturation process.
Borderies: The smallest cru, famous for its elegant eaux-de-vie characterized by floral and candied fruit notes.
Fins Bois: Produces round and fruity eaux-de-vie with a well-balanced profile.
Bon Bois: Adds rustic and robust flavors to blends.
Bois Ordinaire: The outermost cru, contributing more straightforward and less complex flavors.
These concentric terroirs surround the town of Cognac in the Charente and Charente-Maritime regions, with the inner zones yielding the most refined spirits.
Composition: The Grapes of Cognac
Cognac must be made from wines composed predominantly of specific grape varieties. Below is a breakdown of the permitted grapes and their characteristics:
Ugni Blanc: High yield, late maturation, low alcohol, high acidity—ideal for distillation.
Folle Blanche: Adds floral and fruity notes but is less commonly used.
Colombard: Contributes to a fruity and lively profile.
Secondary Grapes: Folignan, Jurançon Blanc, Meslier St-François, Sélect, Montils, Sémillon.
The blend must consist of at least 90% Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, or Colombard, with the remaining 10% from the secondary grapes listed above.
The Art of Crafting Cognac
Crafting Cognac involves meticulous steps, refined over centuries:
Harvesting and Fermentation: Grapes are harvested, pressed, and fermented to produce a low-alcohol white wine with high acidity.
Double Distillation: The wine is distilled twice in copper pot stills, creating a high-proof, clear spirit known as “eau-de-vie.”
Aging: The eaux-de-vie is aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of two years. The wood imparts color, flavor, and complexity, with longer aging enhancing depth.
Blending: Master blenders combine different eaux-de-vie from various crus and vintages to craft a consistent and distinctive flavor profile for each Cognac.
Every step—from grape to glass—is carefully monitored to ensure adherence to AOC standards, safeguarding the integrity of this celebrated spirit.
