Marking VSOP (cognac) what does it mean? Choose cognac VSOP: expert advice

The drink of true connoisseurs of the fortress, floral tones and consistency truly makes us admire ourselves. Even to imagine it is difficult, that from a usual grape of grapes the delicious nectar in the form of cognac can turn out. For the first time the semblance of this noble drink was born in the Middle Ages in France, in the city of Cognac. Later, in honor of this village, the wine distillate product was called. The final cognac, which today is pleased with its uniqueness and qualities, began to be produced in the 17-18th centuries. The alcoholic beverage is classified by aging in oak barrels: the longer it is stored, the more nobility and flavors it has, so to speak, its "growing up". If you choose something average between price and sophistication, then experts advise products with the marking of VSOP. This cognac is qualitative and mature, mostly light. By the way, the abbreviation literally stands for "Very Excellent Old Pale".

The savage inhabitants of the homeland of this drink of the gods perfected the Scandinavian technology of distilling their wine into grape vodka. And aging it in oak barrels gives the finished product special taste qualities and characteristics.

Today, cognac can be called only that wine distillate, which was produced in France, namely in Poitou Charentes, in the province of Cognac. Only it is considered real, in other countries produce grape brandy.

As for brandy cognac VSOP, it is a certain standard, so it is not surprising that this particular beverage is given special attention to the master's cognac affairs.

The history of the appearance of the branding of VSOP cognac

So there were circumstances and time that the brandy was destined to be born in France - the homeland of the most refined and enchanting white wine. Specialists can not exactly name the date of appearance of the VSOP marking. Cognac of this category was supposedly obtained at the turn of the 16th century. In the province of Cognac. At that time, local wine producers exceeded the plan for the production of a white wine drink by 200%, which was supplied to Scandinavia and to Foggy Albion. But when transporting the latter in oak barrels with temperature changes, it spoiled. Therefore, it was decided to distill wine into alcohol. Thus, it meant "painless" transportation to the destination countries. Then it was supposed to dilute it with water, getting white wine at the outlet. As a result, the idea with dilution did not pass the certification. But the inhabitants of European northern countries strongly liked grape alcohol, aged in oak barrels for several months.

Over time, the winemakers determined that with a longer exposure (in oak containers), the wine distillate acquires floral notes, and its taste and aroma are enriched. After years of testing and testing, the drink acquired unique qualities (provided that the holding time was not less than 5 years). Although the meticulous French always overdo with storage, working on the principle "the longer lies, the more delicious and rich." Therefore it is wrong to believe that VSOP cognacs have a certain endurance - and a point. In France, many manufacturers make a blending. The bouquet can include several varieties of different aging period, and the most mature ones sometimes reach 25-30 years.

Manufacturers of VSOP cognacs

France is famous for its cognacs all over the world. Only here to this noble drink show special respect and pay tribute to traditions and secrets, which are passed down from generation to generation.

The homeland of this nectar boasts a huge list of its producers, among which the following cognac houses stand out:

• "Remy Martin";
• Hannessy;
• "Camus";
• "Gaultier";
• "Prince Juber de Polignac";
• "Otard";
• "Courvoisier";
• "Heine";
• "Hardy";
• "Frapen";
• "Martel" and many others. Other

Time spares no one, so many elite cognac houses could not survive a certain kind of crises. But those who are now heard by every self-respecting expert or amateur, are able to please their fans with truly magical and extravagant masterpieces. Among those can be identified cognac "Remy Martin VSOP", which has a certain charming charisma and unearthly taste.

Some peculiarities of production of VSOP cognacs

To cognac category VSOP pleased connoisseurs with its rich and rich flavor notes, and its amber color played in the sun overflows, it is necessary to follow a certain production technology.

First of all, it should be made only of white grape varieties: Uni Blanc; Fol Blanche; Colombard.

And if the above varieties are not used to make a delicious white wine for sale (because of the increased acidity), then for cognacs they are ideal! Also, this wine contains a low percentage of alcohol, so it is excellent for double distillation, because of which the drink - the same VSOP labeling products (cognac) - becomes so unique.

Meticulous French manufacturers are in awe of the smallest details and signs. Therefore, even from ancient times it went so that all the wine from which alcohol will be chasing should be the autumn harvest. Alcohol can be driven until March 31 next year, since April 1, the distillation of last year's wine is strictly prohibited.

Tiring and lengthy manufacturing processes ultimately affect the final price of brandy of VSOP category.

Conditions for aging

An important condition and distinctive feature of the alcohol we are considering is that the drink should be stored in oak barrels, the wood of which does not contain tannin. For this purpose, raw materials from the forests of the Limousin region are used. The minimum aging time in the barrel is 4.5 years. This rule French masters sometimes neglected, maintaining their drink a little more - 5-7 years. Sometimes they make blends, adding cognacs with aging 8-25 years, which gives the product a special taste and uniqueness. Naturally, this combination will not make it a brandy XO. VSOP-products can not compete with it, it is quite understandable. But the notes of elite cognac spirits will still appear.

Particularly distinctive conditions for aging VSOP cognac are the increased humidity in the cellar, which contributes to a fantastic taste, aroma and amber color.

Storage and features of VSOP cognacs

Any drink requires special attention. Storage of cognac VSOP category occurs in the cellars, where the humidity should be more than 80%. The most successful option is their location near rivers or lakes, where the largest proportion of moisture.

Double distillation makes VSOP cognac too strong (more than 70 degrees). Even storage in oak barrels for 5 years does not reduce the degree to an acceptable level (usually the evaporation rate for 1 year is about 5.0).

To reduce the strength of alcohol, elite cognac houses ask their masters to add spring water to bottles before bottling. Simpler producers use conventional distilled.

Cognac, aged in barrels of 5-6 years, after filling bottles is already a product of VSOP category, thus turning into an elite drink.

But the most distinctive feature of VSOP cognacs is that it does not matter where and by whom they were produced - this category should be recognizable anywhere in the world. Therefore, for masters, the cooking process is a kind of masterpiece, in which there is no place for miscalculations or missteps.

Expert advice on the selection of VSOP cognacs

In the world today there is a large number of connoisseurs and cognac specialists. The opinions of experts on the choice of a particular brand vary due to personal awareness and experience. But all of them are unanimous in that when buying a drink labeled VSOP, you need to consider the following points:

1. Price category. Everyone knows that real cognac is produced only in France, in a province with the same name. The rest of the countries do not count. The average cost of VSOP cognac ranges from 30-100 US dollars. And it can not be cheaper!
2. Colour. Only a real cognac VSOP-category can have a gentle (if not in the composition of caramel) and dark (with a blend of cognacs of high aging), an amber tint.
3. Brand. Famous cognac houses and their masterpieces (for example, Courvoisier VSOP cognac ) do not need advertising.
4. Lightness of aroma - a real "Frenchman" has an exquisite and delicate aroma of wildflowers and a lack of a sharp smell of alcohol. A unique taste and a long pleasant aftertaste can debunk all doubts about the authenticity of the above drink.

The best VSOP cognacs from the most famous houses

In France they respect old traditions and secrets. Small cognac houses can boast a drink made from their own raw materials (their own vineyards and their own alcohol) and "grown" by their masters. In this case cognac can be considered the best, as the specialist makes it from his wine distillate.

Famous cognac houses, due to their huge size, are forced to purchase raw materials from local winemakers. But from this the quality of the final product is no worse. Since every self-respecting house controls the production and storage of products.

Today, branded VSOP cognac, whose price is less than $ 30, can not be called a quality product from the best cognac firms in France. Therefore, before buying it is worth to read some information, so as not to get a fake.

Among the best VSOP cognacs are:

• Hennessy;
• "Remy Martin";
• "Martel";
• "Courvoisier";
• "Otard".

Description and advice of experts on cognac category VSOP "Remy Martin"

Is on the list of the best in France. The cognac house "Remy Martin" was founded in the middle of the 18th century. Its production capacity speaks for itself - the second largest in the world in sales. Cognac "Remy Martin" (VSOP) combines quality, tradition and full control over the course of the whole production.

Purchasing most of the raw materials from local residents, this "giant" does not allow us to doubt its quality. Cognac VSOP has a rich, bright bouquet with a fragrance of fresh violets and roses, complemented by notes of peaches and vanilla.

Experts advise when buying to pay attention to the color of the bottle (green, covered with hoarfrost) and the price category (if the buyer has a real cognac "Remy Martin VSOP", the price should be at least $ 70). The color is mainly bright amber.

This drink is good in combination with seafood (Chinese cuisine in special honor), cheese and a cigar.

Served at a temperature of 20 degrees. It is recommended to use it in pure form.

Description and advice of experts on cognac products labeled with VSOP: "Otard"

In the history of France there is a place for beautiful legends about the origin of this or that drink. So, thanks to Baron Otard in the late 18th century. Cognac "Otard VSOP" with curing not less than 4 years has been born. Today the concern is the cognac giant of the country, producing one of the best beverages of the above category. The shelf-life of this type of cognac is at least 5 years.

When choosing, pay attention to the following:

• Price (not less than 30 dollars);
• Beautiful iridescent amber hue;
• The original design of the bottle in the form of a falling droplet;
• Red cardboard package with emblem.

Ripening in the huge cellars of the castle of Baron Otard, cognac is blended with age drinks (10-12 years) and "saturated" with the old traditions of the past, turning into an exquisite nectar for aristocrats.

The bouquet is complex, with aromas of oak, wildflowers and walnuts.

Recommended for cheeses and chocolate.

Description and advice of experts on cognacs labeled VSOP: "Hennessy"

He is the country's leader in the production of cognacs. It produces the most delicious VSOP products from the middle of the 18th century. Thanks to the presence of such a master of cognac craft, as Jean Fillet, this drink has a truly royal quality. The house "Hennessey" has its own vineyard plantations. Under the strict guidance of Fillet masterpieces of this category are issued.

Present Brandy "Hennessey VSOP" should have the following features:

1. Color: bright saturated amber.
2. Original colorless container and a black box with a bottle of brandy.
3. Price: not less than 70 dollars.

Tasting this cognac is a pleasure. Indispensable and ideal in a narrow company of friends.

A complex bouquet with shades of flowers and skin, forest berries, nuts and fresh fruits. A long and pleasant vanilla aftertaste.

Description and advice of experts on cognac category VSOP "Courvoisier"

The history of the cognac house begins in the 19th century. Thanks to the French aristocrat Emmanuel Courvoisier, the production of wines and then cognacs was started. At present, true connoisseurs of this wonderful drink can enjoy a real work of wine-making art.

Today, the distillery Courvoisier is one of the top 4 largest cognac producers in France. Specialists at home worked hard to create a masterpiece. As a result, they received a great cognac "Courvoisier VSOP", the price of which today is not less than $ 75.

When buying, you should pay attention to the shape of the bottle (it should be pulled out in the neck), the color of the drink (dark amber with mahogany overflow) and the label (on the blue background the name of the house in golden letters).

Local winemakers use the ancient secrets of producing this kind of alcohol. So, according to tradition, honey and vanilla are added to the barrel of cognac, then it is blended with mature drinks (age 12-15 years), which gives the product a divine taste, aroma and dark red tint.

As soon as you open the cork, first of all you will feel the aroma of freshly cut oak and fruit, turning into vanilla and roasted walnut.

Prices for VSOP cognacs

Perfection has its own value! Experts and experts say that quality is not measured by price, this brandy simply attracts the buyer to itself. Thanks to "well-wishers" who began to copy the technology of making original products, France had to patent the right to produce cognacs.

The veneration of traditions, the use of production secrets, the perfect work of cognac masters allow the French to produce only the best. Of course, the final cost of such masterpieces can not be low.

Therefore, VSOP cognac, whose price today is less than $ 30 per bottle, does not even need the slightest attention from the buyer. Acceptable cost of production is 30-100 dollars. And this is in compliance with all requirements for the fact of revealing their authenticity and excluding fakes.

Therefore cognac "Remy Martin VSOP", whose price today is about 70 dollars per bottle of 0.7 liters, can be safely considered French. And to receive true pleasure from his tasting.

Reviews

There are a lot of connoisseurs of this unique drink in the world. Among them there are those who like cognac VSOP. Reviews about it leave both fans and detractors. The first admire his perfection and taste. The second is criticized for too high a price and no difference from local brandy.

Reasoning on the issue of price and quality, it should be noted: in order to afford loud statements and epithets, it is necessary to be an expert in this field. If the words are based only on personal assessments that are not confirmed by knowledge and qualifications, then all comments regarding such an alcoholic drink as VSOP cognac can be taken lightly.

Many true connoisseurs believe that it is impossible not to love. Just a person has not yet matured to such a "divine" nectar.

Today bottles with the inscription "Cognac" can be seen on the shelves of shops in any corner of the globe, and almost always it will be an authentic drink made in France (the exception is the CIS countries, where copyright laws do not apply).