France: Cognac

The famous Cognac region of France lies just north of the vineyards of Bordeaux. Its vineyard area is divided into six growing areas, with the most notable and famous of these being Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne – although these terms have nothing to do with the region of Champagne, their connection comes about through the high chalk content in the soils. There is a certain mystique surrounding the relative qualities of Cognac and many people feel that because it is a perceived ‘luxury good’ when they purchase any bottle with the word ‘Cognac’ on the label it will be of exceptional quality – warning this is not the case! In Cognac terms the quality depends almost entirely on the length of time they have been aged and then classified accordingly. As a brief insight in to what to look out for here are the basics: At the bottom of the ladder is VS or perhaps more commonly known as three-star, denoted by three stars on the label. This may contain brandies as young as two years old. The next stage up is VSOP - Very Special (or Superior) Old Pale; an old English term denoting a particularly fine, yet pale cognac. The spirit in these cognacs must have been aged in wood for a minimum of four years. Those that have been blended from minimum six-year-old cognacs may be entitled XO with many houses generally using much older blends.

	Delamain Pale & Dry X.O. - Cognac, France Bin No. DELAMPALE Price: £55.00 Delamain is a family owned Cognac producer, whose name has become a byword for quality and consistency. The family only produce X.O. quality Cognacs and above, and source fruit only from the Grande Champagne area. During the vinification process the house use solely 'ruby' French wooden casks containing 350 litters. The term 'ruby' means that the casks have already lost their excess of tannin. Delamain mature their Cognac in ‘ruby’ casks fo ..
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	Delamain Tres Venerable X.O. - Cognac, France Bin No. DELAMTRES Price: £160.00 Delamain is a family owned Cognac producer, whose name has become a byword for quality and consistency. The family only produce X.O. quality Cognacs and above, and source fruit only from the Grande Champagne area. During the vinification process the house use solely 'ruby' French wooden casks containing 350 litters. The term 'ruby' means that the casks have already lost their excess of tannin. Delamain mature their Cognac in ‘ruby’ casks fo ..
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	Delamain Vesper X.O. - Cognac, France Bin No. DELAMVESP Price: £85.00 Delamain is a family owned Cognac producer, whose name has become a byword for quality and consistency. The family only produce X.O. quality Cognacs and above, and source fruit only from the Grande Champagne area. During the vinification process the house use solely 'ruby' French wooden casks containing 350 litters. The term 'ruby' means that the casks have already lost their excess of tannin. Delamain mature their Cognac in ‘ruby’ casks fo ..
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