Cognac Flashcards
Where is Cognac?
It is just north of Bordeaux.
What river runs through Cognac?
The river Charente.
When did Cognac brandy originate?
In the 16th century but it’s reputation and quality grew through the 18th and 19th centuries becoming increasing popular with the British and Irish.
What happened in Cognac in 1871?
The phylloxera epidemic hit. It took 20 years to find a remedy during which 250 thousand hectares of vineyard were lost.
After being affected by phylloxera, what was the second hit to the Cognac industry?
Scotch. The lack of supply due to phylloxera allowed Scotch to become the fashionable spirit of the day. Cognac would never fully bounce back.
Name the 4 major houses in Cognac today
- Remy Martin
- Hennessy
- Martell
- Courvoisier
What makes the Cognac market more complex than it may seem on the surface?
Whilst the shelves are dominated by the four major brands, Cognac is heavily traded and the big brands buy large quantities of spirit.
What level of Cognac dominates the market?
Whilst super premium examples are available, 80% of volume sold is at VS and VSOP level.
What grape varieties are permitted for use in Cognac?
There are 6 varieties permitted however by far the most popular is Ugni Blanc which accounts for 98% of plantings.
What are the qualities of Ugni Blanc?
- It has a grapey, floral flavour
- It has good disease resistance which is important due to flavour concentration through distillation.
- It is high in acid. Makes it inhabitable for microbes prior to distillation
- Low in alcohol. Less alcohol in the fermented wine means more concentration is needed, enhancing flavour.
Name the 6 designated growing areas in Cognac
- Grande Champagne
- Petite Champagne
- Borderies
- Fins Bois
- Bons Bois
- Bons Bois Ordinaires
In Cognac production SO2 is prohibited. Why is this and how is it counteracted?
Because the distillation process concentrates the flavours, using SO2 would result in sulphurous off flavours.
They rely on the acidity of the wine to protect it from microbes and reduce its contact with air to a minimum.
Why is sugar never added during the winemaking process when producing Cognac?
Because this would increase final the alcohol content which is undesirable. A low alcohol wine allows for additional distillation, increasing the concentration of flavours.
What law applies to the timing of Cognac distillation and why?
Distillation must be completed by the 31st of March following the harvest. This is because the wine is vulnerable to spoilage until it is distilled.
What type of distillation is used when making Cognac?
Double pot distillation is used. They used a specifically designed type of still called a Charentais which is legally defined.
