Brandy/Cognac

Question 1

What are the general requirements for brandy?

Answer 1

Must be aged in oak for min of 6 months, with min of 36% abv.

Question 2

List the 6 defined regions of production of “Cognac AOC”?

Answer 2

1.Grande Champagne
2.Petite Champagne
3.Borderies
4.Fins Bois
5.Bons Bois
6.Bois Ordinaires

Question 3

Cognac is distilled from low alcohol, acidic base wine produced primarily from ______ _____?

Answer 3

Ugni Blanc (St. Emilion), which accounts for nearly 98% of the vineyard acreage.

Question 4

List the most imported grape varieties for the production of Cognac?

Answer 4

Ugni Blanc
Folle Blanche
Colombard

Question 5

Cognac is distilled ________ in a copper pot still.

Answer 5

Twice

Question 6

Second distillation in Cognac is known as:

Answer 6

bone chauffe

Question 7

Cognac ageing occurs in oak casks traditionally sourced from the:

Answer 7

Limousin & Troncais forests.

Question 8

Water, caramel & color, may be added to Cognac prior to bottling, why?

Answer 8

To adjust the spirit’s strength and color.

Question 9

What means “VS” on a Cognac bottle label?

Answer 9

(Very Special) or *** indicates at least 2 years in cask.

Question 10

What “VSOP” indicates on a Cognac bottle?

Answer 10

(Very Special Old Pale) indicates at least 4 years in cask.

Question 11

What “XO” indicates on a bottle of Cognac?

Answer 11

(Extra Old) indicates at least 10 years in cask.

Question 12

If you see “Fine Champagne” on a Cognac bottle, what that indicates?

Answer 12

distilled entirely from wines produced in the Grande & Petite Champagne, with Grande Champagne composing 50% of the blend.