Cognac conjures images of after-dinner drinks by the fire, a snifter cupped gently in one hand as the aromas tantalize the nose. Cognacs are among the most sophisticated drinks in the world, but not all cognacs are created equal. Each cognac has its own rating based on many factors and enforced by French law.
History
Cognac is a type of brandy that is named after the French town of Cognac. According to French law, cognac must pass rigorous standards that have been in place for about 300 years in order to be called cognac. Brandies are wine that has been distilled to a greater alcoholic potency and then aged in oak casks. Cognacs are similar, but are restricted in the kinds of grapes they are distilled from and must be aged for at least two years in French oak barrels. Even with these provisions, there are three grades of cognac that depend on their age and quality.
Types
The lowest grade of cognac is the V.S. grade, which stands for "very superior" or "very special." It is aged at least three years before it is bottled. Most V.S. cognac is around 4 1/2 years old, and some of its content may be older than that, since cognacs are blended spirits.
Types
The middle grade of cognac is the V.S.O.P. or "very superior old pale." This grade of cognac is aged at least four years, but the typical V.S.O.P. range seems to be between 10 and 15 years, with 12 years the average offered by cognac companies. At this age, the cognac tends to be "smoother" in taste and is often savored for its unique flavor notes.
Types
The most expensive and oldest grade of cognac is X.O. for "extra old." This cognac has been aged for at least six years in the oak barrel. The average age of X.O. cognac is around 20 or so years, but older ages up to 40 years or more are still available. This is the grade at which the cognac has become the most mellow and smooth and at which the notes and subtleties of the cognac are most apparent.
Considerations
Appellations can be appended to these grades such as "Napoleon" and "Imperial" to denote special care or extra aging of the cognac. These appendages are in addition to, not in place of, the three official grades. Therefore, it is possible to have an X.O. cognac and an X.O. Napoleon cognac from the same bottler.
Cognacs are also divided by the region and subregion in which their grapes are grown. The regions are Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois and Bois Ordinaires. The region of origin may sometimes be noted in order to increase the value of the cognac.
Tags: aged least, grade cognac, aged least years, around years, cognac around, cognac around years