20 August 2017
This is one of the outstanding examples of the noble spirit made northeast of Bordeaux.
Cognac is produced through a double distillation of a very basic wine made mainly with the white grape Ugni Blanc. The wine itself is low in alcohol, high in acidity and not really drinkable.
The distilled eau de vie is aged for at least two years (six for the X.O.) in oak barrels, assembled and delivered to the market.
The most basic Cognacs may get some caramel added. The most prestigious, like the “Paradis” or the “Louis XIII”, are the result of the best of the best: best wines from the best terroir, best barrels from the best distilleries, best ageing and best blending.
Since I always wondered what is the difference between Cognac and Armagnac, during the current holiday with my son we drove some 250km south to find out.
The Armagnac, produced southeast of Bordeaux, is a more rustic spirit, made mainly with the white grape Baco. The basic wine is distilled only once using a column still, instead of twice using a pot still. It is the oldest brandy distilled in France and traditionally it doesn’t get blended.
Country: France
Region: Cognac
Grapes: Ugni Blanc
Type: Spirit
Vintage: N/A
Producer: Hennessy, LVMH
Price range: Luxury (>100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 4/5