Stage 01: Vineyards
The vineyards of the Cognac Delimited Region include approximately 5,900 grape growers who produce white wine for Cognac making. The..
Crafting Cognac – 15 Stages of Perfection
The art of crafting cognac from the vineyard to your cognac shelf is a long but complex and skillfully executed process. Learn all about each stage and read related articles here.
Stage 02: Harvest
Harvest time in Cognac France is usually in September. However in 2011 and some unusual years it begins in August. The harvest time is..
Stage 03: Fermentation
Fermentation is a relatively short time in the production of Cognac. It is a few important weeks compared to the multi-year time to age..
Stage 04: Distillation
Cognac is twice distilled. The second distillation results in the eaux-de-vie having an alcohol content of 70%. The distillation..
Stage 05: Eau-de-Vie
Eau-d-vie means literally “water of life” and is a term that is used to refer to any distilled fruit. The eau-de-vie (or..
Stage 06: Barrels & Jars
The barrels are a very important component in producing Cognac. Cognac is often shifted between barrels to achieve proper..
Stage 07: Ageing
Ageing Cognac is an art. The process is more complex than just holding the eau-de-vie in an oak barrel and the Cellar Master’s are..
Stage 08: Blending
The Cellar Masters often blend up to 100 different eaux-de-vie to achieve the premium taste desired. They assemble this into large wooden..
Stage 09: Bottles
Cognac bottles can be some of the most interesting and beautiful objects made. Some are crystal made by famous artists or brands and..
Stage 10: The Brands
We are told there are over 500 different Cognac brands! Whoa! That is a ton of tasting for sure. Count us in at Cognac.com to do our..
Stage 11: Promotion
Cognac Houses are some of the best marketers and showmen in the world. Their advertising campaigns and promotional or talent support..
Stage 12: Served
Ahh, Cognac served up in a glass or meal. There are many many cocktails that can be made with Cognac and the meals you can prepare with..
Stage 13: The BNIC
The history and industry that is Cognac cannot be examined without also understanding the BNIC - Bureau National Interprofessionnel du..
Stage 14: The People
Those involved with the production of Cognac are some of the most interesting people you will meet. Here we will highlight a few of them...
Stage 15: The History
The history of Cognac crosses continents and empires. From Napoléon to Norway to Modern China Cognac has penetrated world history...
