Words Every Cognac Drinking Person Should Know

30 May 2010 No Comment

We often get emails asking what does a certain word mean? If you are not all that into cognac, or have just started drinking it, you may find these words confusing. To help you understand we have compiled some words that is used in the cognac industry. To many these words may sound strange, but for people like us who enjoy cognac, these words are a part of daily conversation. Below are twenty words to help you understand cognac much better. As we move forward into 2010, we will add more to the list.

Angel’s Share

Around four percent of the volume of cognac in storage per year evaporates through the pores of oak barrels. This is known as Angel’s Share.

BNIC

Abbreviation for Bureau National Interprofessional du Cognac. This is a professional association that makes sure that the cognac production follows the laws that have been set forward.

Assemblage

Assemblage is the term given for the blending of cognac from different origins and ages.

Cognac

Cognac is actually the name of the town from where this famous brandy comes from. Cognac (drink) got its name from the town of Cognac in France.

Brouillis

Cognac is distilled twice. The result of first distillation is known as Brouillis which is approximately 27 to 30 percent alcohol.

Crus

Cognac can be only produced in certain regions by law. These growing regions are known as Crus.

Eau-de-Vie

It is the distillate that is placed in oak barrels to age cognac after the second distillation.

Grand Champagne

The best cognac comes from this region.

Petite Champagne

This the second highest rated cognac region after the Grand Champagne.

Borderies

This is the smallest growing region.

Fins Bois

This is the fourth best growing region for the production of cognac.

Bon Bois

The fifth best growing region. The cognac produced here are spicier as compared to cognacs produced from other regions.

Borderies

The smallest growing region.

VS

Stands for Very Special. VS cognac is stored for at least two years.

VSOP

Stands for Very Special Old Pale. VSOP cognacs are stored for at least four years.

XO

Stands for Extra Old. The cognac in this category is stored for at least six years but usually the average is around twenty years.

Napoleon

BNIC states that this is equal to the XO quality, meaning it is aged for at least six years.

Tannin

The tanning acid which helps cognac get its color and structure during the aging process.

Ugni Blanc

Also known as trebbiano in Europe, Ugni Blanc is a grape variety from which approximately ninety percent of cognac is made.

Chais

The storerooms where the cognacs are left to age and mature is known as Chais.

If you want to add more to the list feel free to do so. We are hoping to compile every word that represents cognac and create a separate page as we did with cognac brands. Of course, when we get around to it and it’s up, we’ll make sure to update you with a blog post. If the above words were new to you, and now that you’ve learned what they mean, it’s time to get out there and tell your friends all about it. They’ll be surprised at how much you know, they might even think you are cool .