cognac

Cognac is a French white wine brandy with denomination of controlled origin, made on the western French coast, north of Bordeaux, in the regions of Charente and Charente-Maritime. After distillation in traditional discontinuous alambic still, cognac undergoes an aging period in Limousin or Tronçais oak barriques for at least 2 years, in which it takes on an amber colour and characteristic taste. According to aging period, label can indicate: VS, VSOP and XO, respectively from at least 2 to 6 years of aging. AOC Cognac divides into six subzones of Great Champagne, Pétite Champagne, Bordéries, Fins Bois, Bons Bois and Bois Ordinaries, with different characteristics based on soil composition and geographic position. Cognac is ideally paired with cacao-based preparations and apple or honey desserts, especially if spiced with cinnamon and cloves.