Cognac & Armagnac Flashcards
What characteristics differentiate Armagnac from Cognac?
Sometimes described as more rustic; fuller aroma and flavor, rounder texture. It also ages more quickly
What are the 3 sub-regions of Armagnac, and how are they defined?
Bas-Armagnac: Most westerly, highest quality, and largest producer
Tenareze: Central growing area. high quantity of chalk, producing round, complex spirits
Haute-Armagnac: Most easterly, least prized, and lightest style.
Name the 4 most important grapes in Armagnac production, as well as what they contribute
Ugni Blanc (Saint-Emilion) - floral character and acidity
Baco Blanc - fruitiness, earthiness, weight
Folle Blanc - subtlety and floral aromas
Colombard - spicy, peppery edge as well as fruitiness and aroma
What is an armagnac still?
An early, small-scale version of a continuous still
At what ABV is Armagnac generally taken off the still, and what do distillers aim for?
52-72%, but they aim for 60%
What type of oak is used for aging Armagnac?
Black oak from the local Monlezun Forest. Usually only for the first year, as the tannin content is quite high
Minimum Aging requirement for Armagnac
1 year in wood
What are the 5 categories of aging for Armagnac?
Blanche d'Armagnac: maximum 3 months in inert containers ***/VS: minimum 1 year in wood (1-3yrs) VSOP: minimum 4 years in wood (4-9yrs) XO: minimum 10 years in wood (10-19yrs) XO Premium: minimum 20 years in wood
Explain the 2 non-age labeling terms for Armagnac
Hors d’Age - “without age” or “age unknown”. This represents the highest-quality armagnacs
Vintage: Produced with the grapes a single year’s harvest and dated with that year. Many vintage armagnacs are aged for 20+ years
What are the two French departments located within the legally-defined Cognac region
Charente & Charente-Maritime
What year was cognac granted its original AOC status?
1936
Name the cognac crus in order of most prestigious to least renowned
- Grande Champagne
- Petite Champagne
- Borderies
- Fins Bois
- Bon Bois
- Bois Ordinaires
When may the term ‘Fine Champagne’ be used?
to indicate a cognac made with a combination of grapes from Petite Champagne and Grande Champagne. 50% must come from Grande Champagne
What differentiates the soil of the Cognac region?
Chalk content
Leading grape variety of the cognac region
Ugni Blanc
What grape varieties make up 90% of the base wine for cognac?
Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and/or Colombard
Other permitted grape varieties for cognac
Montils, Semillon, Folignan (Folignan limited to a max 10% of all plantings), Jurancon Blanc, Meslier Saint-Francois, Select
Type of still used in the distillation of Cognac
Charentais Still
Term used for the two-stage distillation used in Cognac production
A repasse
Term used for the first stage of Cognac distillation, and the distillate it produces
Premiere chauffe - distillate is 28-32% ABV and known as Brouillis
Term used for the second stage of Cognac distillation, and ABV of the distillate it produces
Bonne Chauffe - 60% ABV
Date by which all Cognac distillation must be completed for the season
March 31st of the year following the harvest
What is the Martell Method?
The lees left over after fermentation are discarded, creating a lighter spirit that matures earlier
What is the Remy Martin Method?
The lees are used to impart a richer character to the spirit and allow for longer aging potential
