Cognac

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What is it?

It is a variety of brandy named after the commune of Cognac, France. It is produced in the surrounding wine-growing region in the departments of Charente and Charente–Maritime.

Production falls under French appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) designation, with production methods and naming required to meet certain legal requirements. Among the specified grapes, Ugni blanc, known locally as Saint-Émilion, is most widely used.

The brandy must be twice distilled in copper pot stills and aged at least two years in French oak barrels from Limousin or Tronçais. It matures in the same way as whiskies and wines barrel age, and most cognacs spend considerably longer “on the wood” than the minimum legal requirement.

Benefits:

There are a few potential benefits of drinking it in moderate amounts, including protection against flu and reducing the risk of heart conditions.

• Antioxidant activity

• Improved heart health and lower blood pressure

• Clear up certain skin conditions and prevent wrinkles 

• Relieve a sore throat

• Lower the risk of gallstones

• Protect against influenza and upper respiratory infections

These are not research-backed health benefits. Cognac is sipped slowly, more for an experience than as a health tonic. Alcoholism and binge drinking is detrimental to overall health and can undo any possible good things that moderate amounts can impart.

Cognac vs Whiskey vs Armagnac 

• It is distilled twice in copper stills, while Armagnac is distilled once in a column still, similar to bourbon.

• Cognac and Armagnac use most of the same grapes, with one or two additional varieties for Armagnac.

• Whiskey is produced either with a grain or malted barley, while the other two are produced with grapes.

Are Brandy and Cognac the Same?

Short answer: yes. Long answer: yes. Well, sort of. All Cognac is brandy but all brandy is not Cognac. Similar to how all Champagne is sparkling wine but all sparkling wine is not Champagne. Are we seeing a trend with our French friends?!

Victor Hugo, that romantically inclined gentleman who wrote melodramatic tales like Les Misérables, refers to it as the ‘liquor of the gods.’ With such a repertoire of art under his belt, I’m inclined to believe him. So, in order for this godly spirit to be cognac, it must come from the Cognac region, which you’ll find in the Southwest of France.

It is believed that the region has a superior terroir, which means it makes a superior brandy. This is the biggest difference between brandy and cognac – brandy can be made anywhere in the world. So, where does it come from? Cognac can only be made in its region. Additionally, there are other subtle yet important differences that elevate it above its brandy brethren.

Cognac Grapes

So brandy as a whole is a distilled spirit made from the fermented juice of grapes. Any grapes at all. Red, white, syrah, viognier, you name it. Technically brandy can be made from any fruit at all, but if it’s not made with grapes the origin fruit must be called out on the label. For example, apple brandy. But for our purposes we’ll focus in on pure grape based brandy since that is what it always is.

While similar to Brandy in the sense that it is made from grapes, can only be made from white grapes. Furthermore, these white grapes can only be one of six varietals grown in its region: Colombard, Folle blanche, Montils, Sémillon, Ugni Blanc or Folignan.