The weather is finally changing. While we weren’t looking, fall was quietly ushered in with shorter days and changing leaves, a riot of color in our city streets. The air has grown cooler, pleasantly nippy, masking winter’s icy bite in its swirling, playful breezes. As day turns to night and our fireplaces are again ablaze with light, what’s in our glasses to warm our bodies and souls? Cognac, of course!
Cognac is an elegant drink, the best brandy you can buy! French in heritage, and steeped in history and tradition, Cognac never goes out of style. Although the rich amber color is nearly indistinguishable from that of whisky, one sniff of Cognac’s sweet aroma defines with clarity that this fine liquor finds its humble origins in fruit not grain.
The word “brandy” is derived from the Dutch, “brandiwijn,” which means “burnt wine.” Brandy is made in many countries around the world, usually from grapes, but often from other local fruits, such as apples or plums. Brandy can be sipped alone or blended into a multitude of cocktails. While brandy used to be front and center in terms of popularity, in the past 20 years, it has taken a decided back seat to clear white spirits such as vodka, rum, and gin.
But while generic brandy may be commonplace, Cognac is remarkable! Cognac is a premium brandy and considered the first global spirit. Hailing from Southwestern France just above Bordeaux on the Charente River, the beautiful rolling hills of Cognac are awash with history. This extraordinary brandy has been crafted in the region for centuries, tracing its lineage back more than 400 years.
Originally a white wine producing province, Cognac’s name became known to the world when some intrepid soul endeavored to distill the wine. The production of Cognac became somewhat of an art form. While there are no restrictions on using the name “brandy”, there are many restrictions on using the name “Cognac.” As is the case with Champagne, Cognac can only be produced within France’s demarcated Cognac zone. While the same brandy may be made just outside the perimeter, it is forbidden from using the moniker, “Cognac.”
And the rules don’t stop there! Cognac has a specific method of creation which may not be varied. Cognac can only be crafted from grapes grown within the boundaries of the Cognac region on the legendary chalky soils. The spirit must be aged for a minimum of two and a half years in pricy French oak barrels. Cognac is always blended except in rare cases, such as a single-vintage bottling. These production and aging requirements are virtually set in stone. After all, why mess with perfection?
The famous houses of Cognac include Remy Martin, Hennessy, Courvoisier, Martell, and Hine. Each has a “house style” for which it is famous. Often extremely old Cognacs are blended with very young to achieve the exact style desired. Bottles of Cognac are labeled by age: VS indicates 2-4 years of age, VSOP indicates 4-6 years, and XO indicates the Cognac has been aged more than 6 years. The age listed on the bottle is the age of the youngest brandy in the blend.
Cognac is celebrated and revered all over the world. There is simply no disputing its intoxicating allure. Nothing compares to sharing the glory of Cognac’s heady delight with friends and loved ones. While many landmark cocktails like the Sazerac are based on Cognac or brandy, good Cognac is best enjoyed neat, served in a brandy snifter. It is never gulped or taken in shots. Cognac is a sensual delight, meant to be sniffed and luxuriated in, like fine French perfume. It should be swirled and sipped and savored, each drop precious, like honey on the tongue.
Lucky for you, Cognac can be found in all fine wine and spirits shops. Stop by your favorite location and pick up a bottle or two. We are tumbling towards the Holiday Season. Be sure to have a bottle of Cognac on hand to offer your guests!
Cheers!
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