Cognac
Cognac
Cognac (pronunciation: /ˈkɒnjæk/; French: [kɔɲak]) is a variety of brandy named after the town of Cognac, France. It is produced in the surrounding wine-growing region in the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime.
Etymology
The name Cognac comes from the town of Cognac, located in the western part of France. The town's name is derived from the Latin word "Comniacum", which was the name of a Roman villa in the 1st century. The word "Comniacum" itself is a compound of the personal name "Cominius" and the suffix "-acum", meaning "domain of Cominius".
Production process
Cognac is made from specific grape varieties such as the Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard. The process involves double distillation using copper pot stills and aging in French oak barrels from Limousin or Tronçais. Cognac must be aged for at least two years, but many are aged much longer.
Grades
Cognac is graded by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC) based on the length of aging. The grades are as follows:
- VS (Very Special) or *** (three stars): Cognac aged at least two years in cask.
- VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) or Reserve: Cognac aged at least four years in cask.
- XO (Extra Old) or Napoleon: Cognac aged at least six years. As of 2018, the minimum aging period is ten years.
Related terms
- Brandy: A spirit produced by distilling wine. Cognac is a type of brandy.
- Armagnac: Another type of brandy from the Armagnac region in Gascony, France.
- Eau de vie: A clear, colorless fruit brandy that is produced by means of fermentation and double distillation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cognac
- Wikipedia's article - Cognac
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