The phrase brandy applies to any grape-based spirit distilled from wine. There are different spirits, brewed and distilled from different fruits that are typically known as “brandies” nevertheless true brandies are distilled from wine.

Cognac

Probably the most well-known of all true brandies. It is origins are thought to start within the seventeenth century salt was exported from La Rochelle, a port within the West of France. Salt merchants from The Netherlands and different elements of Northern Europe took an interest within the wines from close by grape rising area of Charente. To keep away from taxes and to make finest use of restricted cargo house, wines have been decreased in quantity by evaporation to be reconstituted with water at their vacation spot. Nevertheless it was observed that these specific (somewhat poor and acidic) wines have been vastly improved by the discount course of and the approach was refined and developed right into a exact distillation methodology involving a pot nonetheless. The ensuing brandy turned often called Cognac, named after a small city on the middle of Charente.

Manufacturing

 

• Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche or Colombard white grapes are used Ugni Blanc are most generally used selection
• Grapes are rigorously pressed after harvest in conventional horizontal plate or pneumatic presses to keep away from damaging the grapes as this may end in extreme acidity.
• Fermentaion final 2-3 weeks no sulphur or antioxidants are added as these might taint the completed brandy.
• Wine is distilled twice in a copper pot nonetheless earlier than barreling. At 10 gallons of wine end in a gallon of brandy.
• Ageing for no less than two years in Limousin oak barrels.

 

Well-known Manufacturers

Martell – Named after Jersey born smuggler Jean Martell who in 1715 turned away from crime to make the most of the profitable distilling enterprise. He based the home that also bears his identify.

Courvoiser – together with Martell that is essentially the most broadly drunk cognac on the planet

Hennessy – One other standard model

Remy Martin – Additionally standard

Smaller however no much less distinguished firms embody Hine and Otard

The Completely different Qualities of Cognac

The standard of a cognac relies upon for essentially the most half on the size of time it has been aged. These spirits are nearly all the time blended from a number of of various ages

VS– (very particular) traditionally often called 3 star and bottle nonetheless designated by 3 stars on the label. Have to be at the very least 3 years previous however the primary merchandise of the main firms will include some considerably older reserves.

VSOP – (very superior previous pale) An previous British time period from the nineteenth century to indicate a very fantastic gentle colored spirit. The youngest spirit it accommodates should be at the very least 5 years previous.

XO – Have to be aged in oak for at the very least 6 years

Different names denoting extraordinarily top quality are invented by the homes themselves. All of them at the very least match XO requirements and embody Reserve, Additional, Cordon Blue, Paradis and Napoleon.