Cognac

Hailing from in and around the town of Cognac in western France, (Charente region). This strong potable is the finest of all brandies. Cognac is double distilled immediately after fermentation. It then begins an aging process of at least 3-year, the minimum, in Limousin oak. The stars found on a cognac label represent the following system of oak-aging:

• 1 star aged 3 years;
• 2 stars aged at least 4 years;
• 3 stars aged at least 5 years.
• Older cognacs are labeled V.S. (Very superior),
• V.S.O.P. (Very superior old pale)
• V.V.S.O.P. (Very, very, superior old pale).

Legally, a cognac label can no longer claim over 7 years aging.

Over the years, it has been difficult for authorities to accurately keep track of Cognacs aged longer than 7 years, so consequently they have limited what producers can claim. Label terms X.O., Extra and Reserve usually indicate that that specific Cognac is the oldest the producer distributes. Fine champagne on the label indicates that 60 percent of the grapes came from a superior grape-growing section for Cognac called Grande Champagne. The designation Grande fine champagne means that all the grapes for that specific cognac came from that particular area. During the distillation process, an astounding amount of spirit, 20 million bottles worth every year for the entire region, evaporates! Traditionally, this is referred to as the "angels share".