Types of Cognac

Cognac is a kind of brandy produced in France, and brandy is a liquor which has been distilled from wine and then aged in wood. Cognacs are the finest of all brandies, and many different brands are available in a very wide price range. There are six types, all specific to the region they are produced in.

Function

All true Cognacs come from the Cognac region of France. They are created from white wine which is double-distilled and then aged in oak vats for at least three years. Cognacs are made through very methodical and strict processes. Only certain types of grapes are allowed, and most is developed from Ugni Blanc grapes. The double distillation is achieved in traditional copper Charentais stills, and distillation must occur only between November 1 and March 31. Cognac must be aged in oak from the forests of Limousin or Troncais.

Types

The six types, in order of prestige, are: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fin Bois, Bon Bois and Bois Ordinaires. The types are based upon the specific region in which they are produced, because of the qualities brought to the grapes by specific types of soil. The more chalky the soil, the better it is for brandy production. Growing areas are called "crus."

Geography

The word "champagne" means "chalky soil," and the Champagne regions have chalky clay soil with a high limestone content, higher than 60 percent in some places. The soil is fertile, and has a spongy subsoil which provides a water reserve.
The Champagne Cognacs must be aged very slowly to reach full maturity and produce the superb taste. They have a distinct floral bouquet, a powerful but light taste, and are characterized by high quality, complexity, and longevity. Petite Champagnes are almost as good as Grande Champagnes, but age a bit faster.

Identification

The Borderies area has soil of clay mixed with flint from the breakdown of limestone. The Cognac from this region is round and smooth, with a distinct nutty flavor, and has an aroma of violets or irises.

Considerations

The Fin Bois comes from soil that is clay-like and chalky, similar to the Champagne regions, but the soil here is stony and red. The Cognac is aged more quickly than the Champagnes and the Borderies, is round and smooth and has an aroma of grapes.
Bon Bois has sandy clay and chalk soil, and the Bois Ordinaries region has even sandier soil. The Cognacs produced in these regions age quickly. They are heavier and a bit oily, and certain manufacturers exclude them. The land for these two types comprises only about two percent of the Cognac vineyard.

Features

Some popular brands are Camus, Courvoisier, Hennessy, Martell and Remy Martin. There are numerous independent producers as well.
A good bottle of Cognac is available for around $35, and more expensive options are available for those looking for higher quality. The Remy Martin Extra Perfection, for example, retails at around $400, and Maison Surrenne Cognac Grande Champagne runs around $650. The Hennessy No. 1 can be picked up for about $800. Bigger spenders might like to try the very high-end Courvoisier Erte No. 2, which goes for about $3,500 a bottle.

Resources

• A history and overview of Cognac