Have you ever wondered if Cognac really comes from France?
Well, you’re not alone. It’s a question I hear a lot, and as I live not far from Cognac, here in the sunflower-filled Charente region, I’m perfectly positioned to give you the answer.
Oh, and I’ve also been on a few Cognac tours to some fabulous distilleries such as Hennessey and Remy Martin.
So if you’re considering taking a vacation in France and fancy doing a few tours, you may wonder if Cognac is actually a place you can visit. And if so, is it the place you’ll find the drink itself?
In this article, I’ll answer all that and more. And if you’ve never tried Cognac before, you’ll want to by the time you’ve finished reading.
SHORT ON TIME?
The ultimate private Hennessey Exception Tour is fantastic, and I know because I’ve done it.
You’ll learn all there is to know about Cognac with a behind-the-scenes look at the cellars. Plus, enjoy a Cognac tasting in a private tasting room.
Does Cognac come from France?
Yes, Cognac does come from France. To be precise, it originates from the Charente region in rural southwestern France.
And it’s not just a fancy brandy, but a special type that has met strict French regulations to be labelled as Cognac.
Cognac has been around for centuries and, over the years, has continued to be a favourite among connoisseurs.
It’s made from white grapes and then distilled twice, according to strict French regulations. It’s normally aged in oak casks, which is what gives it its distinctive flavour and aroma.
If you’re pushing the boat out and want to kick things up a notch, then look out for a vintage bottle. These are rare finds made from grapes harvested in a single year and often have an intense flavour.
Where is Cognac in France?
Cognac is in the Poitou-Charente, about a 45-minute drive from the Charente capital of Angouleme and a 90-minute drive from the seaside town of La Rochelle.
In the summer, the fields around Cognac are filled with vines and sunflowers, and it really is beautiful.
The entire Charente region is brimming with history, from its chateaux to the wineries and Cognac houses.
And people come to do wine tasting, visit the Cognac vineyards, and of course, just like hubby and I below, visit the old town of Cognac itself.
Does all Cognac come from France?
Absolutely, yes! All Cognac does indeed hail from the Cognac region in France! And there is a reason for that too.
This isn’t just a matter of tradition – it’s actually protected by French law.
Why is Cognac only made in France?
The term “Cognac” is an Appellation d’origine contrôlée, or AOC, meaning that only brandy made in the Cognac region, following very specific procedures, can be called Cognac.
So, while you may come across similar spirits elsewhere in the world, if it’s not from Cognac, France, it simply isn’t Cognac!
The Origins of Cognac
I love history, that’s no great secret, and Cognac has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century.
Originally, the town of Cognac in France was known for its salt and wine trade.
But due to the wine’s instability during long voyages, they started to distil the wine into “eau-de-vie” for preservation.
This was the beginning of what we know today as Cognac.
The Double Distillation Process
Distillers soon discovered that distilling the “eau-de-vie” a second time resulted in a spirit of much higher quality.
And this is where it gets interesting.
This double distillation process, adopted in the 17th century, extracts the heart of the wine, producing a fruitier and more aromatic spirit, which after ageing, becomes Cognac.
The Birth of Cognac Houses
The 18th century saw the founding of many Cognac Houses that still exist and dominate the industry today.
Houses like Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Martell, and Courvoisier rose during this era, establishing Cognac’s reputation worldwide.
The 19th century brought about a surge in popularity for Cognac, particularly in America and Asia.
The Phylloxera crisis, a pest that almost wiped out France’s vineyards, threatened its production until resistant grape varieties were introduced.
Cognac in the 21st Century
Today, Cognac remains a symbol of French elegance and craftsmanship. Its production is strictly regulated to ensure quality, from the specific grape varieties used to the double distillation process to the minimum ageing period.
It’s a testament to the centuries of knowledge and tradition passed down through generations of Cognac makers.
Just think about it, from a small town in France, Cognac, has become a globally renowned spirit.
Its rich heritage, strict production standards, and distinct, luxurious flavour profile continue to charm spirit enthusiasts worldwide.
And that’s without all the tourists that come flocking to Cognac looking for things to do.
What about Cognac tasting in France?
Good question. Here’s what I learned on my last Cognac tour at Hennessey. It was a VIP private tour where I got to ask lots of questions and understand exactly how to appreciate a glass or two.
Tasting cognac is a multi-sensory experience that involves sight, smell, and taste.
You start by pouring a small amount into a tulip glass. The narrow top of this type of glass helps to trap and focus the aroma of the cognac, apparently.
Then, hold the glass up to a light source and observe the colour and clarity, which can give you clues about the age and quality of the cognac.
Next, gently swirl the glass to release its aroma. Take a moment to inhale deeply and identify the distinct fragrances.
My Mum, who never drinks alcohol, made an exception and claimed to love it. But that look on her face tells me otherwise.
Remember, as my guide told me, there’s no right or wrong here, everyone’s taste perception can be different.
Finally, take a small sip to taste. Let it linger in your mouth before swallowing to appreciate the full range of flavours.
Try and identify the balance between sweetness, bitterness, acidity, and alcohol, which I have to say I struggled with a bit.
After swallowing, take note of the aftertaste, also known as the “finish.” A longer finish generally indicates a higher-quality cognac.
Remember, the goal is not to rush but to savour and enjoy the experience.
Don’t just knock it back ready for the next. It isn’t a tequila shot!
The BEST Tours to take to discover Cognac
MY TOP PICK - The Private Hennessey Exception Tour
I took my Mum and Dad on this tour as a wedding anniversary gift, and we all had an amazing time. Our tour ended up being around 3 hours and finished off with a private tasting, which even my Mum, who doesn’t drink alcohol, enjoyed.
We went go behind the scenes of the Hennessy House to places nobody else gets to go, including the Founders Cellar.
NO 2 PICK - A private day tour to a vineyard and distillery
If you want a full day out, away from the town and into the vineyards, this tour is perfect. You’ll go to two family-run craft distilleries rather than the big named Cognac houses and have lunch at a typical Charentais restaurant.
This is a private tour that lasts about 9 hours with pick up and drop off at your hotel.
NO 3 PICK - The Cognac Masterclass
If you’re a little short on time and don’t want a full tour, then I’d highly recommend this two and a half hour masterclass. You’ll learn from a local expert in the cellar at Le Relais de Saint Preuil, where you’ll try three different Cognacs.
You’ll be part of a small group and receive a tasting sheet to keep you on track.
What is the most famous Cognac in the world?
The most famous Cognac in the world is Hennessy, particularly its Very Special (VS) variant.
This iconic brand is deeply rooted in France and has enjoyed an illustrious history dating back to 1765.
The gates below are the entry for the Hennessey cellars which we visited on our tour and were taken there by the Hennessey boat, it was great fun.
What does XO mean in cognac?
Oh, the world of Cognac is full of fascinating terminology!
XO stands for “Extra Old”. This designation refers to a Cognac blend in which the youngest brandy has been aged in a barrel for at least 10 years.
But often, these XO Cognacs contain much older brandies, some even aged for several decades!
The result? A Cognac of remarkable depth, complexity, and smoothness, often marked by flavours of dried fruit, spice, and chocolate.
Enjoying an XO Cognac is certainly a special experience! I should know as I tried one on my VIP Tour of the Hennessey distillery.
TOP TIP: If you’re mixing your Cognac, NEVER mix it with a cheap lemonade. Always use Schweppes. Our tour guide told me this, and no, she isn’t being paid by Schweppes to tell us, because I asked.
What does VSOP mean in cognac?
VSOP stands for “Very Superior Old Pale”. Great, but what on earth does that mean?
Well, a Cognac stamped with VSOP means that the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend has been aged in oak barrels for at least four years.
But remember, age is just the minimum requirement.
Many houses often blend in much older eaux-de-vie to create a harmonious and flavour-packed experience.
VSOP Cognacs are a treat to the senses, offering a balance of mature and vibrant flavours, such as orchard fruits, vanilla, and delicate spices. It’s a delightful journey of discovery for your palate!
Why is cognac so expensive?
If you compare Cognac with whiskey here in the supermarkets in France, it is so much more expensive than whiskey.
And it all starts with the strict regulations the Cognac production process must adhere to. The distillation process needs to take place in copper pot stills during a specific period of the year, and the ageing process must be in French oak barrels.
Additionally, cognac-making is an intricate art involving time, patience, and meticulous care. The eaux-de-vie needs to age for years, or even decades – and the longer the ageing, the smoother and richer the Cognac becomes.
The cost of maintaining these barrels for such long periods contributes significantly to the final price.
Finally, the blending process is a craft mastered by the Cellar Master, who skillfully combines various eaux-de-vie to create the final product.
This unique expertise, heritage, and the luxurious nature of the spirit further add to its high price.
So basically, when you purchase a bottle of Cognac, you’re not merely buying a drink, but an exquisite expression of tradition, craftsmanship, and time.
And yes, I know that sounds like some corny advertising slogan, but it’s true.
What is the most expensive cognac?
And the title for the most expensive Cognac goes to, drum roll please ….the Hennessy Beaute du Siecle!
Translating as ‘Beauty of the Century’, this Cognac is truly the epitome of luxury.
It’s a blend of the finest eaux-de-vie, some dating back to the early 19th century.
What escalates its value is the extravagant Baccarat decanter, packaged up in a chest made from a combination of metal, glass, and wood, designed by famed artist Jean-Michel Othoniel.
You’ll need a spare $200,000 for this bottle, as only 100 bottles were released.
So, of course, when you invest in a Beaute du Siecle, you’re not just buying a bottle of Cognac, but also a piece of art and history!
As you can see from that picture my Dad was in his element when we took him on the Hennessey VIP tour.
Why is Cognac not popular in France?
Surprisingly, despite originating in France, Cognac is not hugely popular among the French population.
And this is probably attributed to several factors.
Firstly, Cognac is regarded as a luxury item, often associated with opulence and grandeur. The French, who traditionally favour wines and spirits that are more affordable and accessible, may perceive Cognac as too extravagant for regular consumption. You just have to look at the shelves in my local SuperU and Leclerc to see that.
Additionally, the majority of Cognac produced is exported, with markets like the U.S., China, and Russia being major consumers. And the focus has been on international markets.
But it seems that the younger French generation is more open to it, so the tide is slowly turning, which may well see Cognac coming back to its roots.
FAQS About Does Cognac come from France
Just in case you have a few more questions about Cognac.
