Elite cognac - a drink with a centuries-old history

The name of this noble strong alcoholic drink was given by the eponymous city - Cognac, the Charente region. A drink produced in another region, even on absolutely correct classical technology, has no right to be called cognac. This is already brandy, which does not make the contents of the bottle worse. The history of the drink is centuries old. The technology of production has been mastered in many countries, but the real elite cognac can only be French.

History of the drink

This region was famous for its vineyards in the XII century. The Dutch began to distill the wine in the 16th century so that it could be transported by sea for long distances, followed by dilution with water. Wine distillate had a very rich flavor and aroma, and double distillation subsequently made it even better. Gradually distillate begins to drink undiluted, but only by the middle of the XIX century it began to be sold not in barrels, but in bottles as a self-sufficient drink, ready for use. Elite cognac today is produced mainly from Uni Blanc grapes.

Classification of cognacs

Depending on the exposure there is the following classification of cognacs :

• VS - more than 2 years.
• VSOP - more than 4 years.
• VVSOP - more than 5 years.
• XO - more than 6 years.

In addition, there is a division of ordinary cognacs into classes:

• Three stars. The aging of alcohol is more than 3 years, and the strength of the drink is 40%.
• Four stars. The aging of alcohol is more than 4 years, and the strength of the drink is 41%.
• Five Stars. The aging of alcohol is more than 5 years, and the strength of the drink is 42%.

For branded cognacs there is a classification:

• KV. The aging of alcohol is 6-7 years, and the strength of the drink is from 42%.
• KVVK. The aging of alcohol is 8-10 years, and the strength of the drink is 43-45%.
• COP. The aging of alcohol is more than 10 years, and the strength of the drink is 40-57%.

In the first place - elite French cognac collection, which was aged in oak barrels for an additional five years.

Production technology

Elite cognac in France is made from grapes harvested in one of six zones around the city of Cognac. The most expensive drink is obtained from grapes grown in Grand Champagne and Petite Champagne. The price of raw materials decreases as they move away from these two zones. In total, the vineyards of the Charente region occupy about 90 thousand hectares.

Elite cognac, whose brands are known all over the world, are produced in four stages:

• Production of wine material from grapes;
• Distillation of wine material, production of cognac alcohol;
• Aging of cognac alcohol in oak barrels;
• Blend of cognac.

Elite cognac of France

The world leader, the manufacturer of magnificent cognacs with more than two hundred years history - Hennessy Cognac House. Its history began in the XVIII century. Today this drink is enjoyed by the whole world. House Hennessy produces about 50 million bottles a year. This is really elite cognac (photo below).

The second largest, but even older Cognac House of France is Rémy Martin. It was founded in the 17th century. But the oldest in the world is Augier.

Famous in the whole world brand of cognac Camus still belongs to the members of the family of Jean Baptiste Camus. The vineyards of this respectable family occupy 125 hectares of French land. This drink is often counterfeited. Buy the same original elite cognac Camus only in expensive specialized stores.

Napoleon preferred to drink Courvoisier. Special production technology is kept secret. For wealthy connoisseurs of the drink Courvoisier House can offer cognac with an exposure of more than 200 years.

Especially popular is Davidoff. It is a very young brand, founded in 1964. Originally it was a trademark of cigarettes and cigars, and cognac under this name appeared later, as an addition to good cigars. Nevertheless, this drink very soon gained popularity among wealthy people. Cognac Davidoff is produced from Hennessy spirits.

Culture of use

Cognac is a classic digestive, that is, it should be drunk after a meal. Combine it with coffee, chocolate and cigars. It is added to many desserts. The taste and aroma of the drink is well revealed in combination with olives, grapes, cheeses.

To drink cognac is taken from wide glasses, narrowed upwards. The glass fills about one-eighth and is warmed by the warmth of the hands - this will maximize the flavor of the drink.

Biting cognac with lemon or diluting with Coca-Cola is almost sacrilege. Nevertheless, it is so often drink it in Russia. In the US, the drink is diluted with tonic or water, in the UK - soda. In Germany, brandy is drunk both after and before meals.

Cocktails based on brandy

Do also a variety of cocktails, which include this drink. Probably the most popular of them, especially in the cold season, is brandy punch. The easiest way to prepare: just mix 1 liter of apple juice with 125 g of cognac. Also, the punch is prepared with the addition of vodka, lemons, oranges, water and sugar. 400 ml of cognac is taken with 500 ml of vodka, 2 liters of water, 10 lemons, 3 oranges, 1 kg of sugar. Sliced fruit mixed with sugar and infused in boiling water for several hours. Then you should add vodka and cognac and strain the punch. A very delicious cocktail is made on the basis of coffee and cognac. Ingredients are mixed in a 2: 1 ratio, then add sugar syrup and orange peel to taste.

There are many recipes for interesting cocktails based on cognac. For their preparation, use also various strong liquors, and vodka, and champagne, and fruit juices. This is a great field for experiments with flavors and flavors. But if it is a question of elite vintage or collection French cognacs, it is better to enjoy a pure drink, its color and aroma, aftertaste and play of light in a glass, warmth spreading through the body, and a sense of peace and bliss.