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. The word champagne is thought to be a derivation of the word "compagne" and refers to the chalky soil which is found in cognac production regions.
Cognac Brands
- 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.
- Grand Marnier - An orange liqueur, Grand Marnier is not cognac, but a beverage made from oranges, used often in cocktails. It is an 80 proof liqueur also consumed sparingly as a substitute for dessert wine
- 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.
- Remy Martin - Remy Martin is one of the most prominent producers of "Champagne Cognac," meaning the brandy is produced from within the Cognac region in France. Remy Martin first distilled his cognac in 1724. Their premier cognac is called Louis XIII.
Featured Video:: Cognac - Beyond the Snifter
Part one in a series of four videos, this is an in-dept look at the cultivation of grapes and the production of Cognac. Made in toasted barrels, this alcoholic beverage has flavors that are a direct result of the barrels that lend spices and aromas to the aging drink. The video is hosted and narrated by Mr. Charles Neal and he is giving expert information about the entire process and the history of Cognac.
Cognac Brands
Note: The majority of the links in this section are to sites that require the user to be 21 to enter.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Aged two years in oak barrels
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Grapes used
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Made from dry white wine, distilled in alembic copper pots
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Some cognacs sell for thousands of dollars
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Cognac production areas
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Many cognac houses work with small producers who run their own farms in the cognac region
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Small growers sometimes also produce their own cognacs
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Single estate cognacs generally aged longer and more diverse in flavor
