Complete overview of our Cognac CategoriesBy clicking on one of the categories below, can you move towards different cognac variants.Cognac The self-assurance that previously characterized the Cognac region has, in the last decade, turned into despair. The well-established image of the cigar-smoking wholesaler sitting in his plush armchair and swirling a bowl of cognac has, in line with increased consumer social consciousness and the economic depression affecting the once promising Asian market, shifted away from the district. However, every cloud has a silver lining. Often, in economically challenging times, the most significant changes and initiatives occur. In recent years, the Cognac style has been improved and refined, resulting in the production of better cognac than ever before. The Cognac region is divided into 6 areas: Bois Ordinaires and Bons Bois are in the outermost zone. Closer to the main town are Fine Bois and Borderies, and around the town of Ségonzac, we find the two last areas, Petite Champagne and Grande Champagne. In total, the district covers 1,132,500 hectares, of which 80,000 are mainly planted with Ugni Blanc. Each of the mentioned areas imparts its characteristics, but if one wants to know why cognac is the world's best brandy, Petite Champagne and Grande Champagne are the areas to explore. The choice of base wine in cognac distillation is crucial. The wine is reduced during the process, and only the right base wines can bring out and enhance the best fundamental qualities, similar to a chef reducing a sauce to intensify concentration. The liquid is distilled twice. The first distillation, "brouillis," has an alcohol percentage between 27 and 30%, but it is distilled once more to increase the alcohol content. The first distillate, also called "la tête" (the head), and the last "la queue" (the tail) are collected separately. The middle part is called "le coeur" (the heart), with an alcohol percentage between 69 and 72%, and is subsequently aged. 2 1/2-3 years is typically the standard cognac for Cognac houses, often labeled with 3 stars. VSOP is a smooth and friendlier cognac with a minimum of 4 1/2 years of aging. Designations like XO, Napoléon, Très Vieux, etc., guarantee that the cognac is a minimum of 6 1/2 years old. Fine Champagne is a blend of cognac from Grande and Petite areas, with Petite making up at most 50%. It is the aging process in oak barrels that gives the cognac its soul and quality, and prices are often based on the duration of aging. All cognac on Whisky.dk is sourced, accounting for sold-out products and price increases. |
