Cognac

Guide Note

Cognac brandy is a distilled wine specifically produced in the Cognac region of western France. Under French law, the beverage must be made from a select few variety of grapes and must be aged for at least two years in French oak barrels.

Fast Facts

1. Aged 2 years in oak barrels
2. Grapes Used: Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Folle Blanche
3. Made from dry white wine, distilled in alembic copper pots
4. Some cognacs sell for thousands of dollars

1. Dupuy - Dupuy produces a variety of cognacs and products. Their "Very Special" cognac is derived from the Ugni Blanc grape and can be aged for up to ten years. Dupuy recommends drinking neat from a snifter or using in a flambe.
2. Grand Marnier - An orange liqueur, Grand Marnier is not technically cognac, but a beverage made from cognac, used often in cocktails. It is an 80 proof liqueur also consumed sparingly as a substitute for dessert wine
3. Hennessy - Three million cases of Hennessy cognac sell worldwide each year, making it one of the best selling distilled wines in the world. In 2003, CNN reported that Kim Jong Il is the world's number one purchaser of Hennessy.
4. Remy Martin - Remy Martin is one of the most prominent producers of "Champagne Cognac," meaning the brandy is produced from within the Champagne region in France. Remy Martin first distilled his cognac in 1724. Their premier cognac is called Louis XIII.