# Alcohol Basics: How Is Cognac Made?

URL: https://tastessence.com/drinks-alcohol/how-is-cognac-made
Category: Drinks & Alcohol
Published: 2020-11-11T11:44:24
Updated: 2020-11-10T11:48:45
If you **aren’t sure about what Cognac is or how it’s produced**, you certainly aren’t alone. In fact, **“how is Cognac made?”** is one of the most common questions that comes up on the subject. In this post, we’ll cover some of the **basic facts about Cognac, including what it is, how it’s made, and which brands produce it.** Read on to learn more about this [popular alcoholic](https://tastessence.com/drinks-alcohol/alcoholic-drink-names) beverage and its origins.

## What is Cognac?

Cognac is a [type of **wine**](https://tastessence.com/drinks-alcohol/sweet-white-wine-types) grape brandy that has its origins in the Cognac region of France. In order for a product to qualify and market itself as Cognac, it must come from this area (just like Champagne). Besides its popularity as an alcoholic drink, **it can also be used for baking certain types of cakes.** **The region spans more than 79,000 hectares** and is divided into six sub-regions (called “crus”). The terrain of **each growth area has different characteristics**, with various types of soil.

## How is Cognac made?

[Three grape varieties](https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/the-guide-to-cognac/) are used to make Cognac: **Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard.** By definition, these grape varieties must account for at least 90% of the product. The remaining 10% are permitted to come from **other grapes such as Semillon, Montils, and Folignan.** From there, **the grapes are fermented into wine** -- although not one you’d like to drink, as it’s quite acidic and tart. During this process, **makers are not allowed to add sugar or sulfur to their wines**, so they’re kept pure for distillation. After weeks of fermentation, the **wine can then be distilled into brandy.** This process begins in early November and has to finish before the end of March. Cognac is **double-distilled in special pots called Charentais stills.** Once the distillation is complete, **the spirit that comes out of the stills is called eau-de-vie** (or “water of life” in French). At this point, the spirit then **begins the aging process to convert it into what we know as Cognac.** Aging takes at least two years, with **different Cognac types having to meet certain age criteria** to earn their title, as we’ll discuss below. **Cognac is required to be aged in oak barrels**, which give it its deep and rich flavor.

## What are the different types?

Cognac is classified into several types, depending on how long it’s aged. Here’s a look at the **three most common kinds that you’ll find at your local liquor store.**

-   **VS (Very Special)** - aged for at least two years
-   **VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale)** - aged for at least four years
-   **XO (Extra Old)** \- aged for at least six years

## What are the most popular brands?

In the United States, there are **several popular brands that produce and distribute the beverage.** Many of these companies have gained notoriety in popular culture and are **readily available in bars, liquor stores, and supermarkets** worldwide. **Courvoisier, Hennessey, and Rémy Martin** are three of the most well-known brands in the United States. **The tradition of making Cognac is quite an interesting one**, and this overview is just a quick look at the storied process. If you’re interested in learning more, you can **do some research behind the biggest brands** and learn how your favorite kind is made. For more resources and tips on food and drinks, [**check out the Tastessence blog.**](https://tastessence.com/)