Brandy Flashcards
How is Brandy different from Whiskey?
- “more feminine” - delicate aromas of flowers, fruit, subtle oak, spice
- distilled from WINE not fermented grain
What is does “eau de vie” mean?
Water of life
What is brandewijn?
“burned wine”
-story of Dutch trader preserving essence of wine on trip north, thought he could reconstitute with water but men liked it so birth of brandy
How does EU define brandy
- a distillation of wine (not pomace)
- minimum 36% abv
- minium oak aging 6 months
What two AOCs historically produce the world’s best brandy?
Cognac and Armagnac in SW France
When was Cognac AOC defined/finalized?
1909/1938
Where is Cognac AOC?
NE of Bordeaux region
Name the 6 regions of production in Cognac from best to worst quality
- Grande Champagne
- Petit Champagne
- Borderies
- Fins Bois
- Bons Bois
- Bois Ordinaires (Bois à Terroirs)
What makes Grande Champagne and Petit Champagne superior to the outlying regions?
Soil - higher percentage soft chalk
-outlying regions have more hard limestone, sand, clay
What grape is primarily used to make Cognac? What percentage does it make up in region?
Ugni Blanc
98% of vineyard acreage
What grapes other than ugni blanc are permitted for Cognac production
Folle Blanche
Colombard
Others
How is Cognac distilled
Twice, in copper Charentais pot still
What is the result of the first distillation of Cognac called?
spirit 28-32% alcohol
called Brouillis - several batches returned to pot still for second distillation
What is the second distillation of Cognac called and how is it divided?
bonne chauffe - colorless spirit about 70% abv
divided into:
- tête (head)
- coeur (heart)** Only part used to make final Cognac (~40%)
- seconds (second cuts)
- queue (tails)
Where are oak casks for Cognac traditionally sourced?
Limousin and Tronçais forests
What may be added to fix Cognac’s strength and color before bottling?
Water and caramel color
Cognac age designations:
VS, or *** - at least 2 years in cask
VSOP - at least 4 years in cask
XO - at least 10 years in cask (as of 2018, was 6 years before)
What does VS, VSOP, XO mean?
VS - Very Special
VSOP - Very Special (/Superior) Old Pale
XO - Extra Old
May vintages be blended in Cognac? What does age designation indicate on label?
- Yes, vintages are often blended
- age designation refers to age of youngest eau-de-vie in the blend
Are there vintage Cognacs?
Yes, but rare
What is required if region is listed on label?
100% eau-de-vie originated from named area