Cognac, a variety of brandy is named after the town of Cognac in France. It is produced from a specified variety of grapes which are locally known as Saint Emilion. The production methods also have to meet specific legal requirements set forth by the government.
The brandy is distilled twice in copper pot stills and aged at least for a minimum of two years in French oak barrels. Cognac is aged in the same way as whiskies and wine. However, most cognacs are aged more than the minimum legal requirement.
The white wine used in the making of cognac is acidic and dry. It is made from a very specific list of grapes. The wine must be 90% ugni blanc (grape variety) for the drink to be considered a true crus.
The pressed juice from the grapes is fermented for two or three weeks, wild yeasts converting the sugar into alcohol. Distillation of the liquid takes place in traditional copper pot stills. For cognac, the wine is doubly distilled.
After the distillation, it is stored in Limousin oak casks for aging. The minimum duration for aging is two years. The alcohol strength falls down to 40% during the aging.
The blend is essential for a cognac to achieve variable flavors. Every cognac house has a master taster who is responsible for blending the spirits.
The grape used in the making of cognac has a slow ripening quality, which is highly resistant to diseases. It also has high level of acidity, hence lowering the alcohol content.
Nutritional Value
1. Cognac is one of the healthiest alcoholic drinks. It is low in sugar and contains no additives ,thus this makes it more healthier than other beverages like margarita or martini.
2. However it is alcoholic so it should be consumed in moderation as it can cause liver problem.
3. Controlled consumption of cognac can lower the risk of heart diseases.
Did you know?
Cognac is France’s second largest export product.
French novelist Victor Hugo called cognac the
“Elixir of Gods.”
Cognac is a brandy but not all brandy is cognac. And according to law distillation of cognac should take place in between November and March.