Cognac
Cognac is a grape brandy named after the region in which it is made, which lies directly north of the Bordeaux region, nestled against the River Gironde and the Atlantic Ocean. The beverage Cognac dates back to a little less than four hundred years, when the local merchants first distilled their wine to concentrate it for easier and cheaper shipping. The idea was to add water to the eau de vie at the receiving ports, but the customers in Holland decided they preferred the product they called brandewijn, or "burnt wine," to the normal wine.
Cognac renders its own aging system on the label which is based on the length of time spent in a cask:
- *** or VS (Very Special): 2 years old
- VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale): 4 years old
- XO (Extra Old): 6 years old
Today, the best regions for Cognac production are centered around the town of Cognac on the River Angouleme. These are Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, and Borderies. These areas are marked by a chalkier soil, which is believed to be the basis for their better quality. (Note that despite their names, these places have nothing to do with the more famous sparkling wine region of Champagne). The outer three Cognac regions include Fins Bois, Bons Bois, and Bois Ordinaires.
Winebow's offering from this region include Maison Surrenne (select markets), Chateau Paulette, and Chateau Montifaud. Winebow will soon be importing G&A Cognac through an agreement with Cognac Ferrand, delivering regional specific Cognacs from Fin Bois to Grande Champagne.
