Cognac is appreciated for its delicate floral and fruityaroma and pleasant aftertaste. However, not all connoisseurs of this alcoholic drink know where, how and from what they produce it. No less important is the question of how the composition of cognacs of different quality and brands differs, how to decide on the choice and not get to fake.
What is the right to be called brandy
In the past for easy transportationgrape wine by sea to other countries, entrepreneurial winemakers began to use the distillation apparatus. In the process of such distillation a strong drink was obtained, which was subsequently planned to be diluted with water. Unexpectedly, distillate stored in oak barrels turned out to be better than grape wine from which it was obtained. So brandy appeared.
Cognac is a type of brandy.It is also produced by distilling grape wine, but then kept in oak barrels. At the same time important conditions should be observed. First, the raw material for the production of a drink can be grapes of several specific varieties.
Secondly, cognac has strictly regulatedthe production process, the slightest deviation from which does not give the manufacturer the right to give his product such a name. The third, and probably the most important condition - the French city of Cognac should be the place of manufacture of the drink.
Not every brandy is brandy.
Today brandy is called brandy,manufactured not only in France. At the same time in different countries in order to give a drink this name, there are different requirements, because of which the composition of brandies may differ. For example, it can take into account its exposure or how close the technological process of its production to the original.
Однако неоспорим тот факт, что в состав This cognac should include only distillate created from the harvest harvested from vineyards in the French city of Cognac. Therefore, if the drink is made in another part of the world, it is brandy. At the same time, the alcoholic drink can be of high quality, not particularly inferior to the original French drink.
The differences of this brandy
Uni Blanc is the main grape variety forcognac production. Colombard, Montil and Fol blanche are also sometimes used - they make a more saturated drink, but they are harder to grow. The period of vintage from the Cognac plantations is between November 15 and March 31.
After double distillation of the fermentedgrape juice, get a drink, which after 30 months in oak barrels will become a real cognac. What is part of brandy, except grape distillate? Nothing. Unlike brandy, the French drink has absolutely no more additives.
Chemical components and unique aroma
These or other aromatic and flavor notesThe cognac gives chemical components formed during the fermentation and distillation of grape juice, settling in oak barrels. What should be the composition of brandy - a true French drink - is strictly regulated by law. To determine the quality of the drink, the ratio of all its chemical components is measured.
The aroma and taste of brandy depend on suchcomponents like alcohols, acids, aldehydes, esters, tannins. Using chemical analysis, it is determined whether compounds are included in cognacs, which should not be there, and whether the balance of the other components is not disturbed. It is a different percentage ratio of alcohols, acids, aldehydes and esters that gives rise to various variants of this elite drink.
The more tannins are includedcognacs, the higher they are valued. And this factor is completely dependent on the aging in oak barrels. Cognacs aged to 5 years are called ordinary. The age of such cognacs is reflected in the form of stars on the label. If for its preparation several cognac spirits were mixed, the number of stars assigned to it reflects the endurance of the youngest of them.
Classification of cognac products
Для обозначения возраста коньяка могут special notation is also used. Thus, Very Special (VS) marks indicate two-year exposure, Superior three-year, Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) four-year, Very Very Superior Old Pale (VVSO) five-year and Extra Old (XO) six-year or more .
Cognacs that are aged in oak barrels 6 andover the years have been called vintage. These are the most expensive and valuable grape spirits having their own names. The classification for cognacs over 6.5 years old is usually not applicable. A separate category is collectible cognacs, whose age can be equal to tens of years.
How to determine the quality of brandy
Качество коньяка можно определить по его consistency, color and flavor. A good drink should have a small thickness and oiliness, draining, it leaves a clear mark. Depending on the amount of tannins that are part of French brandy, the latter may have different shades. However, it should always be perfectly transparent. In order to check this, it is necessary 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 questionable.
The aroma of an elite high quality drink shouldchange when interacting with air. After swaying brandy in the glass, the oak notes inherent in it at the beginning are replaced by fruit or flower ones. If the aroma of the drink is too pronounced, it may indicate its low quality. Unfortunately, the average consumer is often not able to distinguish high-quality and, consequently, more expensive cognac from its cheap fake.
Determine the quality of brandy in the bottle
Flip a bottle of brandy before buying:if large bubbles first appear, this indicates the correct consistency of the drink. Check that there is no sediment. Remember this feature: good brandy is not bottled in a simple form. Producers of a quality product using an unusual design of a cognac bottle try not only to attract a buyer, but also to prevent the appearance of fakes.
Label on a bottle of high quality brandyalways glued exactly and has a decent look. The text placed on it must contain all the necessary information: composition, aging, strength, manufacturer, etc. The composition of brandy should not include anything other than brandy spirits enriched with tannins.
The most popular brandy brandy
Наиболее популярными марками коньяка являются:"Hennessy", "Courvoisier", "Martel", "Remy Marten". The alcohol composition of Hennessy cognac depends on the level it occupies in the standard classification. For example, for class V.S. more than 40 cognac spirits are characteristic, for V. S. O. P. - more than 60, and for X. O. - more than 100.
Courvosier company produces about a dozenvarieties of cognac, not counting the exclusive. At the same time it does not have its own vineyards. Martel brandy is characterized by a special softness and fruity aroma. Cognac house "Remy Martin" today is the owner of the largest stock of brandy alcohol.
How to enjoy brandy
Для оценки вкусовых качеств хорошего коньяка it is important to create a suitable atmosphere. The comfort and nobility, restraint and refinement should be felt. In short, cognac is not suitable for every event. Before serving, the drink should not be cooled - at room temperature its refined aroma is best manifested.
Traditionally, to use brandywide glasses with a short stem with a narrowed top. It is believed that this capacity allows you to fully feel the aroma due to its heating from the warmth of the hand and the preservation of vapors inside the glass. Recently, the supply of cognac in glasses on a high stem and without narrowed upward walls is not considered to be a bad tone. In such a container, the aroma of the substances that make up the good cognac is fully revealed due to the rapid evaporation when interacting with oxygen.
A whole bunch of flavors of quality cognacreal gourmets evaluate 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 moving the fluid through the tongue. After each sip enjoy the aftertaste, which is different in the same way as the composition of cognac.
Cognac taken to drink after a meal, combining withproducts that do not have too pronounced taste and smell. For example, hard cheese, seafood, meat, sweet products and coffee will help to emphasize its unique aroma.
Large amounts of liquor todayillegally issued for cognac. While this drink should be made only in France, aged for at least three years in an oak barrel and not have any impurities. To get a true aesthetic pleasure, be attentive to the choice of cognac.
