Cognac
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Pronunciation: kon-jak
Protected brandy from the Cognac region of France, distilled twice in pot stills and aged in oak barrels.
Cognac may only be called that if made in the region around the town of Cognac in south-western France. The main grape variety is Ugni Blanc. The wine is distilled twice in copper pot stills and then stored for at least two years in oak barrels.
Age statements on the label follow fixed classes: VS with at least two years, VSOP with at least four and XO with at least ten years in the youngest component. Many cognacs are blends of spirits from different vintages and sites. The growing areas include Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne.
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