How to choose cognac? What is in the composition of cognacs?

Cognac is appreciated for its delicate floral-fruity aroma and pleasant aftertaste. However, not all connoisseurs of this alcoholic drink know where, how and from what it is produced. No less important is the question of what distinguishes the composition of cognacs of different quality and brands, how to decide the choice and not get caught in a fake.

That has the right to be called cognac

In the past, for the convenience of transporting grape wine on the sea to other countries, enterprising winemakers began using a distiller. In the process of such distillation, a strong drink was obtained, which was later planned to be diluted with water. Unexpectedly stored in oak barrels distillate was better than grape wine, from which it was obtained. So there was brandy.

Cognac is a kind of brandy. It is also produced by distilling grape wine, but then kept in oak barrels. Important conditions must be observed. First, the raw material for the production of the beverage can be grapes from several specific varieties.

Secondly, cognac has a strictly regulated production process, the slightest deviation from which does not give the producer the right to give his product such a name. The third, and probably the most important condition - the place of production of the drink must be the French city of Cognac.

Not every brandy is cognac

Today cognac is called brandy, made not only in France. At the same time in different countries in order to give a drink such a name, there are different requirements, because of what the composition of cognacs may differ. For example, its exposure or how close the technological process of its production to the original one can be taken into account.

However, it is undeniable that this cognac should contain only a distillate, created from a crop harvested from vineyards in the French city of Cognac. Therefore, if the beverage is made in another part of the world, it is brandy. In this case, the alcoholic beverage can be of high quality, not particularly inferior to the original French drink.

Differences of this brandy

Unya Blanc is the main grape variety for the production of cognac. Also sometimes used are Colombard, Montil and Follet Blanche - they produce a more saturated drink, but they are more difficult to grow. The vintage period from the Cognac plantations is between 15 November and 31 March.

After double distillation fermented grape juice, get a drink that after 30 months of stay in oak barrels will become a real cognac. What is in the composition of cognacs, except grape distillate? Nothing. Unlike brandy, the French drink has no more completely any additives.

Chemical components and unique aroma

These or other aromatic and flavor notes give brandy the chemical components formed during fermentation and distillation of grape juice, settling in oak barrels. What should be the composition of cognac - a true French drink - is strictly regulated by law. To determine the quality of the beverage, the ratio of all its chemical components is measured.

The aroma and taste of cognac depend on such components as alcohols, acids, aldehydes, ethers, tannins. With the help of chemical analysis, it is determined whether the cognac composition includes compounds that should not be there, and whether the balance of the remaining components is not disturbed. It is the different percentage of alcohols, acids, aldehydes and ethers that gives rise to various variants of this elite drink.

The more tannins a constituent of cognacs, the higher they are valued. And this factor is completely dependent on aging in oak barrels. Cognacs with aging up to 5 years are called ordinary cognacs. The age of these cognacs is reflected in the form of stars on the label. If several cognac spirits were mixed for its preparation, then the number of stars assigned to it reflects the aging of the youngest of them.

Classification of cognac products

To indicate the age of cognac, special designations may also be used. For example, the Very Special label indicates a two-year exposure, Superior for a three-year, Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) for a four-year, Very Very Superior Old Pale (VVSO) for a five-year and Extra Old (XO) for a six-year or greater .

Cognacs that have stood in oak barrels for 6 years or more are called vintage. This is the most expensive and valuable grape alcoholic beverages that have their own names. Classification for cognacs over 6.5 years is usually not applied. A separate category is collectible cognacs, whose age can be equal to tens of years.

How to determine the quality of cognac

The quality of cognac can be determined by its consistency, color and aroma. A good drink should have a small density and oiliness, draining, it leaves a clear trace. Depending on the amount of tannins that are part of the French cognac, the latter can have different shades. However, it must always be perfectly transparent. In order to check this, you need to leave a fingerprint on the glass, and then on the other side through the drink try to see it. If you can not see - the quality of cognac is doubtful.

The aroma of a high-quality elite drink should change when interacting with air. After swaying the cognac in the glass, the oak notes characteristic of him in the beginning are replaced by fruit or floral notes. If the flavor of the drink is too pronounced, this may indicate its poor quality. Unfortunately, the ordinary consumer is often unable to distinguish between high-quality, and therefore more expensive brandy from its cheap counterfeiting.

Determine the quality of cognac in the bottle

Before buying, turn a bottle of cognac: if large bubbles appear first, this indicates the correct consistency of the drink. Check that there is no sediment. Remember this feature: a good cognac is not bottled in a bottle of unpretentious shape. Producers of high-quality products using an unusual cognac bottle design are trying not only to attract a buyer, but also to prevent the appearance of counterfeits.

The label on a bottle of high quality brandy is always glued evenly and has a decent appearance. The text placed on it should contain all the necessary information: composition, endurance, strength, producer, etc. The composition of cognacs should not include anything other than cognac spirits enriched with tannic substances.

Most popular brands of cognac

The most popular brands of cognac are: Hennessy, Courvoisier, Martel, Remy Martin. The alcoholic composition of Hennessy brandy depends on its level in the standard classification. For example, VS class is characterized by the presence of more than 40 cognac spirits, for VSOP - more than 60, and for XO - more than 100.

The company "Courvoisier" produces about a dozen varieties of cognac, not including exclusive. It does not have its own vineyards. For Brandy brandy "Martel" is characterized by a special softness and fruity aroma. The cognac house "Remy Martin" today is the owner of the largest stock of brandy alcohol.

How to enjoy cognac

To assess the taste qualities of good cognac, it is important to create a suitable atmosphere. Should feel coziness and nobility, restraint and refinement. In a word, brandy does not suit every event. Before serving, the drink should not be cooled - at room temperature, its exquisite aroma is best displayed.

Traditionally, cognac uses wide glasses on a short leg with a narrowed top. It is believed that this capacity allows you to fully experience the aroma due to its heating from the heat of the hand and the preservation of fumes inside the glass. Recently, it is not considered a bad form to serve cognac in glasses on high legs and without narrowed walls. In such a container, the aroma of the constituents of a good brandy will completely open up due to rapid evaporation in the interaction with oxygen.

The whole bouquet of high-quality cognac flavors is estimated by the gourmets in three stages: at a distance of 15-20 cm, at the edges of the glass and inside the glass. Drink it in small sips, slowly propelling the liquid over the tongue. After each sip enjoy the aftertaste, which differs in the same way as the composition of cognacs differs.

Cognac is taken to drink after eating, combining with products that do not have too pronounced taste and smell. For example, to emphasize its unique flavor will help hard cheese, seafood, meat, sweet products and coffee.

A large number of alcoholic beverages today are illegally issued for cognac. While this drink should only be produced in France, aged at least three years in an oak barrel and have no extraneous impurities. To get a true aesthetic pleasure, be attentive to the choice of cognac.