Among the huge assortment alcoholic drinks It's hard to choose between cognac and brandy. Both types of alcohol have a unique taste and aroma. A large number of people consider them to be the same strong drink, and the names “cognac” and “brandy” are synonymous. Natural questions arise: what is the difference between these types of alcohol, what is each of them?

History of the origin of cognac

The alcoholic drink cognac received its name in honor of the French town of the same name, located in the south of France. The Gauls lived there even before our era. One day, the Roman emperor ordered them to plant grape plantations on their plots and make wine. Moreover, the climate was conducive. Since then, the fate of the city was predetermined, because almost every family from time immemorial had a small winery. In the Middle Ages, Cognac became a famous trading port; English and Dutch ships visited it and bought their wines from the locals. But these are just premises.

There is a legend that cognac was created by Chevalier Jacques de Croix Maron. This man was a brave knight who very often went on military campaigns. Like all the inhabitants of these places, he had magnificent vineyards. One day, returning from the war, he learned about his beloved wife’s betrayal. In a fit of passion, he killed the lovers. Chevalier was very worried about this, he even fell into depression. One night the devil came to him and wanted to steal his soul. When he woke up, the man was very scared. To atone for his guilt and not fall into the hands of the devil, he decided to give a gift to the local monastery. Jacques took his wine and distilled it twice, resulting in wine spirit, the Chevalier poured it into oak barrels and presented it to the monks. They were very happy about the alcohol, but decided to hide it well and forgot about it. And when the barrels were discovered again, they no longer contained just alcohol, but a magnificent strong drink, later called cognac.

Origin of brandy

Concentrated alcohol has been known since the times of the Holy Roman Empire and ancient Hellas. The first mentions of brandy can be found starting from the 12th century, but it gained its popularity only in the 14th century. Translated from Dutch, brandy literally means “burnt wine,” but at the same time, it is not the name of a specific drink; it is most likely a method of distilling wine, which began to be actively practiced in medieval Europe. Back then, this method was used to preserve the drink, which often spoiled during long transportation, and the distillation process also made it possible to reduce the number of barrels. The resulting alcohol after distillation was called brandewijn, which later became “brandy.”

What is cognac?

So, let's talk more about the skate. It is called a strong alcoholic drink that has a warm amber color. It is produced on the basis of wine from white grapes, which, after a double distillation process, is placed in oak barrels and infused for at least 2 years. It is wood that makes this alcoholic drink as we know it, and real cognac must be made from the following grape varieties: Blanc Rame, Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Folle Blanche, Semillion. The age of a cognac or its “star quality” is indicated on its label. Each star symbolizes a year of maturation.

Cognac production

• Berry picking. They are usually harvested in the fall, in mid-October. The juice is squeezed out of the grapes, either manually or using a special press, and then the nectar is sent to ferment.
• Fermentation. The juice poured into barrels is left for 3-4 weeks without adding sugar. After which, the resulting young wine is kept on yeast sludge for another 6-8 weeks and fermentation begins again, while it becomes softer and more delicate, although it is almost impossible to drink due to its dryness and acidity. Next, the wine is sent for distillation.

• Distillation of cognac. This process makes cognac spirit from wine. It is carried out in next year after picking the berries, strictly until the month of April and occurs in two stages. After the first one, the output is raw alcohol with a strength of 27-32 degrees. Moreover, 1 liter of alcohol is obtained from 9 liters of young wine. If the first stage of distillation does not require special attention, then on the second, everything is somewhat different. It takes place under close supervision within 12 hours. The resulting cognac spirit is placed in oak barrels for aging.
• Excerpt. She is the final and most important stage cognac production and lasts from 30 months to 50 years. It is oak barrels that give the alcohol its characteristic color and aroma that we know.

What is brandy?

This is the technology used to produce a huge number of alcoholic beverages, including cognac. The strength of brandy ranges from 40 to 72 degrees and the raw material for its production is as young grape wine, and fermented fruit juices. During the double distillation process, the resulting alcohol is golden brown in color, and caramel is often added to it for flavor. Brandy aging is not regulated, so many manufacturers store it for no more than six months, which significantly affects the quality.

Brandy production

The technology for producing brandy is no different from the process of making cognac, but unlike it, it is not strictly regulated. It is kept in oak barrels, after which the drink is mixed with one-year-old Muscat wine, as well as infusions of roses and herbs, and caramel is often added to it. Next, the brandy is sent back into oak barrels and kept for half a year at a temperature of -6 degrees.

Brandies produced by different companies, even if using the same technology, have fundamental differences in taste. Grape varieties also affect the taste of the drink. Best brandy made from Riesling, Sauvignon, Rkatsiteli, Aligote.

Differences

To summarize, I would like to talk about the differences between cognac and brandy:
Cognac is the name of a strong drink, and brandy is a technology.
Cognac is always brandy, but brandy is not always cognac.
Cognac has a strength of at least 40 degrees, while brandy has a strength from 40 to 72.
Cognac is made from special types of grapes, while brandy is made from both wine and fruit juice.
The minimum age for cognac is 2.5 years, and after 3 years, it is given the first star, while brandy can be aged for no more than 0.5 years.
Cognac is infused only in oak barrels, but brandy can also be infused in plastic.
Real cognac is produced only in the French town of the same name, while brandy is produced all over the world, which significantly affects its price.
The production of cognac is strictly controlled by law, but the production of brandy is not strictly regulated.
In Russia, the inscription on the “cognac” label can only be in Cyrillic, and if the alcoholic drink is exported abroad, it must be renamed brandy.

So, cognac is elite variety brandy, which refers to alcohol made in the French city of Cognac, while brandy is a huge niche of alcoholic drinks produced using the same technology. Try to drink high-quality alcohol to experience the truly refined taste of drinks.

What is the difference between brandy and cognac when looking at two filled glasses is difficult to determine - it seems insignificant. However, the first drink may cost only a few dollars, while the second is sometimes valued at tens of thousands. The difference between cognac and brandy is that the former is a very specific premium form of the latter, similar to American bourbon is an elite type of whiskey. Not all cognacs are of exceptional quality, but the best of them are among the world's outstanding alcoholic beverages.

What is the difference between cognac and brandy: the difference (briefly)

Brandy is an alcoholic drink obtained by distilling wine from grapes and other fruits and berries. Cognac, on the other hand, is brandy that is distilled in the Cognac region of France. Both drinks are similar because they are made from grapes.

There are many varieties of alcoholic drinks, and many people often confuse brands that are similar in color and taste. The same can be said about cognac and brandy. What is the difference between them is difficult to understand, since their appearance and aroma are largely similar. And this is actually true, since cognac is a brandy that is produced in France. Lovers of this drink, who drink it to enjoy the taste and aroma, can really tell what the difference is between brandy and cognac, determine the length of their aging, the presence of special ingredients, etc.

Origin

Brandy is a shortened name for brandywine, a spirit distilled from wine, grapes and other fruit juices. It comes from the Dutch word brandewijn, which literally translates to “burnt wine.” Brandy is usually drunk after dinner and its alcohol content by volume ranges from 35% to 60%. The origin of the drink dates back to the origins of distillation in Ancient Greece and Rome. However, modern brandy can be dated back to the 12th century. The drink is made from grapes or any fruit that can produce sweet juice. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the name of the drink is also used to refer to the alcohol obtained from apple pulp and other fermented fruits and berries. In this case, many countries require that the drink be labeled as fruit, or the name of the raw materials used be mentioned on the bottle. Manufacturing and labeling regulations vary by jurisdiction.

Manufacturing

The brandy production process requires fermentation of fruit or berry wine for 4-5 days, after which it is distilled in stills or distillation columns, and placed in barrels for aging. There is no set period for aging, since some fruit and berry juices do not require this. The aging process determines the color of the brandy. If it is unaged, the drink is colorless or clear, but the longer it is stored in barrels, the darker it becomes. Burnt sugar may be added to some types of brandy to adjust the color and taste of the drink. Distillation varies depending on the type of cognac produced. For example, a wine with an alcohol content of 8% to 12% and high acidity is distilled in a still. Grape brandy also requires that it be distilled twice or more to obtain the desired aroma and flavor.

Marking

Brandy is marked in a special way, indicating its quality. The following notations are used:

• AC - for 2 years aging.
• VS (Very Special) - 3 year old brandy.
• VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) - at least 5 years of storage in oak barrels, the wood of which is much older.
• XO (Extra Old) means aged for at least 6 years, with an average of about 20 years.
• Vintage - the date of placement in the barrel is indicated on the label.
• Hors d'age is a brandy that is too old to determine its age, usually over 10 years old.

Other names for the drink - cognac and armagnac - indicate the place of its production.

"Water of Life"

The French poetically call their brandy eau de vie, or “water of life.” His the best varieties are highly valued. In France and elsewhere, brandy is made by distilling wine into a concentrated spirit and aging it in oak barrels, where it develops a rich and complex flavor. Some drinks, such as cognac and armagnac, have a legally protected legal status of origin that determines where and how they are made. Thus, all cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac.

Cognac is produced in wine region department of Charente, approximately two-thirds of the way from Paris to Bordeaux, near Cognac. The region is a patchwork of approximately 15,000 vineyards, some of which date back to Roman times. French legislation describes in great detail which grapes can be used in the production of cognac. Local winemakers discovered in the 12th century that distilling their wine made it a more valuable export product. Fortunately, the wooden barrels used to store the spirit greatly enhanced its character.

There are only a few regions that are allowed to make this drink and they have been divided into 6 zones or crus: Petite Champagne, Grande Champagne, Borderies, Bon Bois, Fins Bois and finally Bois Ordinaire.

Briefly about brandy

The production of brandy begins with wine, and is best obtained from that which is unsuitable for common use. It should have high acidity and low alcohol and residual sugar content. The wine is slowly heated in a still, in which the alcohol evaporates faster than the water. These concentrated vapors are cooled and condensed, and the resulting alcohol matures in oak barrels. The older it is, the more aromatic it is and the more complex its taste. Aging binds capital, so well-expressed cognac tends to be expensive.

Production technology

Both brandy and cognac are made from grapes. What is the difference? The answer to this question is also what kind of wine material is used. Cognac is made exclusively from white grapes, and only selected varieties are allowed for production. According to the National Interprofessional Office of Cognac, if the name crus is indicated on the label, then at least 90% of the grapes used must be Ugny Blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard, and 10% must be Folian, Jurançon Blanc, Meslier Saint-François, Select, Montille or Semillon. Cognacs that do not bear this label must use at least 90% Colombard, Folle Blanche, Jurançon blanc, Meslier Saint-François, Montille, Semillon or Ugny blanc and up to 10% Fogliant or Selecta.

After the grapes are pressed, yeast is added and left to ferment for several weeks. The wine is then distilled in traditional Charentais copper stills until it is colorless, containing around 70% alcohol. The distilled spirit is then aged for a minimum of two years in French oak barrels from Limousin or Tronçais. In them, alcohol and water evaporate at a rate of about 3% per year. The alcohol reaches 40% after 20 years. However, alcohol can be used earlier and diluted with water. After several years or decades, the cognac is then bottled into large glass containers known as bonbons for further blending.

Distillation of brandy and cognac: what is the difference?

Modern industrial brandy is produced in highly efficient distillation columns, converting the wine into concentrated alcohol in a single step. To obtain cognac, old-fashioned copper stills are used, which are not done continuously, but in separate batches. The wine is distilled twice, first bringing the alcohol concentration to approximately 30% and then to 70%. The alcohol develops its characteristic aromatic and flavor notes only after 10-15 years of aging in local oak barrels. Cognac houses mix old and new brandy in strictly controlled proportions to ensure that their product is consistent and recognizable every year.

Right to name

So how can you differentiate between the largely similar brandy and cognac? What is the difference? The production of brandy is not limited to grapes - it is also made from various fruits and berries. Cognac is obtained only from grapes, and not just any grapes, but only certain varieties. The process of creating this alcoholic drink is subject to a more strict set of rules that must be followed in order to have the right to call your product cognac. Its taste should be unchanged depending on the quality and blend. For this reason, each cognac house maintained a master who was responsible for blending the cognac.

Armagnac

A glass of French brandy is a simple and stylish way to treat yourself. Cognac is one of its most famous varieties. But this is not the only great famous French brandy. Another type of it is Armagnac.

It is also made from white wine. If cognac is made in Cognac, then Armagnac is made in Armagnac, located in Gascony. Although these drinks are similar, they have some differences. Both are made from stunningly undrinkable wine. However, if cognac is produced on the basis of Ugni Blanc, then 3 additional varieties are involved in the creation of Armagnac: Folle Blanche, Colombard and Baco Blanc. In both cases, the wine is distilled. Cognac passes double distillation in stills, and Armagnac - only once every distillation column. This difference has a significant impact on the final product.

Distillation

The distillation process will help you understand what brandy and cognac are and what the difference is between them. The higher the concentration of alcohol, the more impurities it loses. This helps reduce hangovers and significantly improves taste. Vodka is much smoother than whiskey because it usually goes through much more careful distillation and purification. Some argue that for the same reason Armagnac has a fuller and complex taste than cognac. However, its strength is often less. To reach the VS standard, it only needs to be aged for at least 1 year, while cognac requires at least two. And while it is technically possible to have unaged Armagnac, there is no such thing for cognac. While the latter is aged in Limousine or Tronçais barrels, the former can be aged in Gascony oak containers. Both brandies are sold as vintages and blends, and are often mixed.

Tasting

Despite the fact that these alcoholic drinks are made from grapes, you should not swallow them in one gulp. When tasting Armagnac, dip your finger into the glass and then apply the liquid to the back of your hand. Once the alcohol has evaporated, you can smell it. There should be aromas of dried fruits such as apricots and figs, or perhaps toffee and licorice. Connoisseurs recommend a glass of brandy after a meal, perhaps in a warm glass or as part of an egg flip. Cognac is a well-known product, while Armagnac is more of a local attraction. However, both drinks are sold all over the world, so there is nothing to prevent you from enjoying both types of brandy.

What to choose?

Ultimately, any discussion of what brandy and cognac are and the difference between them moves from science and history to what exactly you should pour into your glass. If your favorite cocktail is a sidecar, mortgage the house to buy best brand no need. For this Any will do worthy of brandy or inexpensive cognac mass production. Premium brands are best left for consumption in pure form. Avoid using traditional large cognac glasses, which tend to waste the aromas of the drink. Small, tulip-shaped containers or even champagne glasses will concentrate the vapors to ensure maximum enjoyment for the drinker.

Many lovers of high-quality drinks are familiar with this amber color and aroma. This is grape brandy. It is believed that men most often consume it, and this is no wonder, because its strength ranges from 35 to 70 degrees. But sometimes ladies also prefer this drink, albeit in a diluted form, as part of cocktails. Consumers leave different reviews about this drink, which is also quite natural, because there are a lot of types and brands, and people have very different opinions. Let's look at this issue in more detail.

What is brandy? Story

Brandy is a strong alcoholic drink, or rather, a whole family of drinks that are made by distillation. grape juice, berry or fruit mash. There are no strict standards or production regulations. The drink can have different strengths starting from 35 degrees. The name comes from the foreign brandewijn - “distilled wine”. This is how this designation was assigned to alcohol prepared by distillation from grape or fruit wine.

There is no specific date when grape brandy appeared, but its formation is clearly connected with the development of distillation. Strong alcoholic drinks were in use back in ancient times - in Rome, China, Greece. As we know from history, brandy as we now know it gained popularity in the 14th century. Initially distillation grape wine made it easier for merchants to store and transport the drink. But then people noticed that the longer it was kept in wooden barrels, the more elegant and subtle the taste and aroma become.

Types of Brandy

There are three main types of such products:

1. Grape brandy. It is obtained by distilling fermented grape juice. This type is divided into several types:

Cognac. France, Cognac region. Using stills, the drink is distilled twice. Aged in oak barrels. The most popular brands are “Martel”, “Hennessy”, “Courvoisier”, “Remmy Martin”.

Armagnac. Southwestern France, Armagnac region. The noble drink is obtained by long distillation through copper distillers. Then Armagnac is aged in oak barrels, and the process lasts much longer than cognac - from 12 to 20 years, there are also specimens with 30 years of aging. The first distilled alcoholic drink was made in France. The most popular brand is "Marquis de Montesquieu".

Sherry brandy. South of Spain. The most popular strong drink in Spain. Moreover, of the entire country’s brandy, 92% is sherry.

Greek brandy (grape). The drink has been produced here since 1888. The Metaxa brand is named after its founder, Spyros Metaxa.

Grape brandy China, South Africa, Mexico. It is made in almost the same way as cognac. That is, double distillation in copper stills and subsequent aging for at least 3 years in oak barrels.

American grape brandy. It differs from the European one in color and strength. It is lighter and stronger. Made in California.

Armenian cognac. Produced in Armenia. In 2010, a new tradename- "Arbun". The raw materials for the drink are those produced exclusively on the territory of Armenia.

Moldavian. Stary Orden is the newest brand produced and exported by Euro-Alco.

2. Fruit brandy.

3. Squeeze brandy.

JSC "Novokubanskoe"

CJSC Novokubanskoe was founded in the last century, in 1943. In the country, this enterprise is considered the best for the production of cognac products. Brandy “Vinogradnoye Novokubanskoe” is also produced here. Lovers of this drink leave the most positive reviews about the taste and aroma of the product. In its production they use French technology. The company is engaged not only in the production, but also in the cultivation of cognac grape varieties. The location of the vineyards is very favorable climatically - at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains. On the border between the mountainous Stavropol region and the plains of the Kuban, a unique microclimate reigns: clean dry air, the smell of herbs, windless weather... All this ensures the production of an excellent harvest of wine material. The cognacs of JSC Novokubanskoye are widely known not only in our country, but also abroad. At the most various competitions the drinks were awarded high awards and prizes, including the Grand Prix of Prodexpo, an international exhibition.

Product range

Even in the difficult years for the wine industry in the 80s, the company continued to exist. They preserved the vineyards and continued to introduce new brands of cognac into production, which still delight customers. 2009 was marked by the release of an elite product aged for 40 years. By the end of the year, a line of four cognacs was released under the general name “Ekaterinodar”. For their production, the foundation laid back in the last century at the founding of the enterprise was used. In 2010, the design of the bottles of the Prometheus brandy and Pobeda cognac line was updated. Released in 2011 new line cognacs called “Big Prize”. In 2012, JSC Novokubanskoe again creates a new series of drinks. In May, the Grape Novokubanskoe brandy was released. Reviews from tasters confirmed the extraordinary taste and complex aroma. The bouquet contains shades of oak components. The unique “Novokubanskoye” contains alcohols that were aged for more than two years in oak barrels, with a post-blend rest period of 4 years.

How to make grape brandy

Manufacturing technology varies slightly depending on the type of raw material. Grape brandy is made from fermented grape juice. The process begins with wine fermentation, which lasts 3-4 weeks. The result is a liquid with a strength of 9-12 degrees. It is placed in a distillation cube and heated to boiling. The vapors formed in the process are of a degree much higher than the wort itself. After distillation, the strength of the material increases three times, and the volume of liquid decreases by half. During the second distillation, the alcohol is divided into fractions, the middle one being cognac. Cognac and Armagnac are aged for several years in an oak barrel at a humidity of up to 85% and a temperature of 18 to 20 degrees.

Extracted fruit brandy

Another variety is pressed brandy grape seed and pulp. There are also brandies made from other berries and fruits. The most famous - apple calvados, slivovitz, cherry krischwasser. Most of these drinks are not aged and are therefore clear. In such cases, the manufacturer is obliged to indicate that the drink does not have an aging period. Some are aged for 2 years, after which they have a strength of 70 degrees. This brandy is diluted with softened water and syrup. Finally, the drink must be filtered.

The difference between brandy and cognac

True connoisseurs elite alcohol should know that grape brandy and cognac are still different from each other. Cognac, without a doubt, belongs to the Brandewijn variety, but there is a difference in the manufacturing technology of these products. Real cognac is made only from grape juice, and brandy, as we discussed above, can be distilled from any other fruit. Some craftsmen are trying to produce the drink at home. Knowing correct sequence actions, following the technology recipe, this is quite possible to achieve.

Brandy has been around for many hundreds of years, but this does not affect the quality in any way. the right drink. It does not lose its originality. IN modern production use the original technology, while retaining flavor notes and unique aromas.

How to drink correctly

Over time, more and more new varieties of brandy and cognac begin to be produced. To correctly appreciate the subtlety of the drink, you need to taste it correctly. Professional tasters who evaluate grape brandy leave very interesting reviews and give advice on how to taste the drink correctly in order to experience the whole bouquet of taste and aroma.

• To discern the aromatic notes, the drink must be poured into a snifter. The portion should be small - less than half the volume.
• The drink is drunk in small sips; it is better to do the tasting among friends and family, drink slowly, and enjoy the taste.
• Hold the snifter in your palm; the warmth of your hand will warm up the drink. Best temperature- 25 degrees.
• It is not customary to have cognac as a snack, but if you need it, you can serve lemon or chocolate with the drink.
• For those who do not like strong drinks, you can prepare cocktails, add alcohol to syrups, juices, coffee and even ice cream.
• When the taste and aroma seem too oversaturated, you can add ice cubes.

There are a lot of opinions and reviews from connoisseurs of this drink. How and with what to drink brandy is up to everyone to decide for themselves, but it still doesn’t hurt to listen to the opinions of experts.

Brandy– a strong alcoholic drink (40%-60%) such as cognac. The product got its name from the English word brandywine (“burnt wine”), which was abbreviated as “brandy.” Typically, brandy is made from grape wine.

No one knows exactly how and when this drink appeared. Its history is closely connected with the development of distillation distillation. Brandy was already consumed in the 12th century, although at that time this alcoholic drink was not as popular as it is in our time. The more distillation distillation developed, the more perfect the product itself became.

The most famous brandy producers areFerreira, Bouton, Metaxa. Ferreira is a port wine house that was founded by José Ferreira, owner of the Duro lands. This company has an impeccable reputation; the subtleties of producing alcoholic beverages are passed on from generation to generation. Ferreira releases alcoholic products for 250 years now, which allows us to have no doubt about its quality. Bouton is an Italian company, the main brandy producer in Italy. Metaxa is a Greek brand of brandy.

Types of brandy

The most famous and widespread types of this drink are cognac and armagnac. What is the direct difference between brandy and these two drinks? Brandy is a specific technology for the production of alcohol, including cognac and armagnac.

Cognac- an alcoholic drink traditionally produced in France. It got its name from the French city of Cognac, where it was produced. The name is assigned to a specific area, as well as the technology for producing an alcoholic drink.

At the international level, drinks not made in France and using other technology cannot be called cognac; they are usually called simply brandy.

The most popular brands: Remy Martin, Hennessy, as well as Napoleon's favorite - Courvoisier.

Cognac has always been known as a major trading city. Wine was especially popular here, especially from the vineyards of Poitou. After the end of the Hundred Years' War, winemaking experienced a decline. In the 16th century, wine production began again, the quality of which noticeably deteriorated. The Dutch began to distill brandywine at this time. This drink is considered an analogue of the future brandy. After brandywine was transported by sea, it was diluted with water. At the beginning of the 17th century, distillation devices were improved, and as a result, it was possible to obtain a product that did not lose its quality during sea transportation. This drink had a richer aroma and was more concentrated than the wine from which it was made. The French improved the technology of the Dutch and themselves began to produce the already beloved brandywine. When loading ships due to delays, it was found that new drink not only does it not lose its qualities, but it also becomes much tastier. They also began to drink brandy undiluted, which had a beneficial effect on its taste.

Armagnac- an alcoholic drink also originating from France. Armagnac differs from cognac mainly in its aging. The most famous Armagnac is Marquis de Montesquieu. This drink is aged in oak barrels for an average of 12 years. Traditionally, Armagnac is a drink produced in the province of Gascony. This alcohol is not as popular as cognac, mainly due to difficulties with transportation. To make it easier to transport the drink, local residents began to distill wines and then store them in oak barrels.

The drink received its name from the name of the knight Herreman, the owner of an estate in Haxon in the 10th century. The monks called him Arminius. The first mention of this strong drink were dated 150 years before the advent of cognac. True, Armagnac was then called alcohol obtained from grapes. In 1909, the following production zones were identified: Ba-Armagnac (about 57% of total production), Armagnac-Tenarez, Haut-Armagnac. Armagnac is produced from the following grape varieties: Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche. The drink goes well with cigars, as well as with dishes such as foie gras, flambé or desserts.

Production technology

Brandy is mainly produced from Folle Blanche grapes. It was thanks to this variety that the famous cognac was obtained. It is often replaced with Ugni Blanc grapes. It is generally accepted that cognac spirits produced from Folle Blanche grapes are more aromatic. World-famous cognac houses use Folle Blanche to produce their products.

Distillation, or burning, of wine causes the drink to change its color and also retain its properties longer. taste qualities. The taste of brandy largely depends on the grapes themselves. Sometimes to give the drink pleasant aroma, caramel is added to its composition.

The following technologies are used in the production of brandy:

1. Without aging, the resulting drink is a clear liquid.
2. Barrel Aged – Drinks that are aged in barrels have a golden color.
3. Solera process – brandies that are produced using the solera process.

Types of Brandy

Almost every country has its own national drink, belonging to the class of brandy. Grape drinks popular both in Europe and America. Such drinks are classified not only by country of origin, but also by the fruits they contain.

American grape brandy– it is made in California, it is lighter and stronger.

Italian is an alcoholic drink that has a strength of 40% - 55%. The taste of grappa depends on the quality of the raw materials from which it is produced. In order to soften the taste of the drink, manufacturers add fruit syrup to it. This brandy is consumed chilled, without mixing with anything else. To feel true taste grappa, it is recommended to use it warmed up. In Italy, this drink is often added to espresso coffee to create Caffè Corretto.

Calvados- apple or pear brandy, which is made by distilling cider. The strength of this drink is 40%. After distillation, the liquid is colorless and cannot be considered Calvados. In order to obtain Calvados, the drink must sit in oak barrels. This is how it acquires its taste and aroma. Calvados is considered the favorite drink of Erich Maria Remarque.

Georgian chacha- a drink that, like Italian grappa, rakia and South American pisco, belongs to the class of grape brandy. Chacha is made from Rkatseteli grapes, as well as Isabella and Kachich.

How to drink?

Few people know how and with what they drink brandy. This drink is usually consumed after meals.

Brandy is considered a universal alcoholic drink; it can be combined with meat dishes, natural varieties of coffee, as well as cola, soda, and tonic.

There are many cocktails made with brandy. For example, popular cocktail"Brandy Martini" consists of 100 ml of tonic, 50 ml of vermouth and 25 ml of brandy. Shake all ingredients with ice in a shaker and pour into chilled glasses. The cocktail will appeal not only to women, but also to men, who will duly appreciate noble taste brandy. Men prefer to drink brandy with cigars. Sometimes this drink is consumed as an aperitif.

Brandy is drunk from glasses with thick walls. Sometimes cognac glasses are used in the shape of a tulip with a narrowed top. This design of the glass helps you better feel the aroma of the drink. To experience the true taste of brandy, it must be consumed slightly warmed up. That is why true gourmets warm the glass in your palms or with a candle. Fruit brandy, on the contrary, is drunk chilled so that the taste of the drink is better revealed.

As a rule, brandy is not eaten as a snack.

Most of us have heard something about brandy, many of us have tried it. But if you ask a specific question - what is brandy - then very often we cannot give a clear answer. All we know for sure is that it is alcohol.

The concept of “brandy” is a general collective name for a wide family of various strong alcoholic drinks made from grape wine distillate, juice or extraction, or by fermentation from various fruit and berry juices. It does not refer to any specific drink, but means rather technology manufacturing.

HISTORY OF BRANDY

The history of brandy production can easily be called the history of distillation of alcohols, since in the distant past it was the distillation of wine in a still that gave birth to the “water of life” - “eau-de-vie”.

Brandy arose at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. At that time, Dutch sailors, traders and merchants were engaged in purchasing salt in the Charente River basin, which is in the southwestern part of France, and on the way back they took the very much produced there. delicious wine. However, it was very unstable and often deteriorated during long-term transportation. Therefore, wine began to be distilled, that is, distilled or burned. In addition, this procedure made it possible to reduce the volume of the drink, thereby saving space in ship holds, which was important at that time. The Dutch presented the product obtained during distillation in Northern Europe, calling it “brandewijn” - distilled or burnt wine. Gradually, this word was transformed into “brandy” and remains known to us in this version to this day.

It is also possible that the current name "brandy" comes from either the English "burnt wine" or the German "branntwine" and is translated similarly to the Dutch synonym. Although the Dutch were by no means the first to distill wine, they were given the honor of giving the name to a whole family of very different alcoholic beverages.

Over time, many geographic regions of Europe and other parts of the world became famous for the brandy they produced.

PRODUCTION AND PROPERTIES OF BRANDY

The production of brandy as a drink is not strictly regulated by any rules or standards. The only exceptions are the three most outstanding brandies, the production technology and origin of which are fixed at the legislative level. These are Armagnac, Cognac and Calvados.

Each country produces brandy using its own individual technology. Therefore, the drink varies significantly depending on the country of origin, brand, and raw materials. Spanish brandies, which have a characteristic sweetish taste, are considered one of the best. But brandies from other countries, for example, Portuguese or Italian, are also appreciated by lovers of this drink.

EU rules stipulate that brandy is only a drink made from grape wine or crushed but not pressed grapes and aged in oak barrels for at least 6 months; having a strength of at least 36% vol.; not diluted with alcohol and not colored with anything, with the exception of caramel; not flavored in any way, unless this is provided for by the method of production, as, for example, in the case of the famous Greek Metaxa.

However, wine made from fermented pear, cherry, peach, plum, apple or any other fruity berry juice can also be distilled. The alcohol that is obtained as a result of fermentation and distillation will also be called “brandy”, but with the definition by the name of the corresponding fruit or berry. If the brandy does not have any additional identification in the name, this means that it is made from grape raw materials. All the famous fruit spirits that are produced in Alsace and the surrounding areas of Switzerland and Germany, as well as what the French call “eau de vie” - “water of life” - are all brandy.

Brandy should not be confused with liqueur or liqueur. They are also prepared from fruits or berries, but the difference is in the production method itself. Brandy is obtained by distilling fermented fruit or berry juice, and liqueurs and liqueurs are infusions of certain fruits or berries in neutral alcohol, for example, grain alcohol.

Brandy is usually aged in oak barrels, which gives it an unusual aroma. But often manufacturers add to the drink a large number of caramel, thereby creating the illusion of long aging in oak. Medium strength classic brandy–57-75% vol.

There's another one interesting feature this drink. The fact is that classic way Brandy production is very similar to cognac production. Hence the popular expression that “all cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac.” This saying precisely demonstrates the main difference between brandy and cognac. As mentioned above, there are no special standards for brandy, and there are a huge variety of drinks on sale under this name.

If it is possible to derive some general properties brandy from all the variety of drinks under this name, then they will look something like this.

Components: distillate from grape or any other fruit and berry wine, fermented juice or extract, as well as mixed alcohols, may include caramel.

Aroma and taste: pleasant, similar to cognac, differs depending on the source material.

Color, transparency: usually golden brown.

Aging time: at least six months.

TYPES OF BRANDY

There are no established standards for classifying brandy. Therefore, an approach based on the raw materials and the method of production of the drink can be used. According to this gradation, brandy should be divided into three main types:

Grape brandy (eau-de-vie de vin) is made by distilling fermented grape juice, after which the resulting alcohol is subjected to a certain aging. It is produced almost everywhere where grapes are grown: in Europe, America, South Africa. There are such varieties of grape brandy as French Cognac and Armagnac, Spanish Sherry brandy, greek brandy Metaxa pomace brandy (eau-de-vie de marc) is made from grape pulp, seeds, peels, and cuttings, which are always left after the grapes are pressed during the winemaking process. Examples of this type of brandy include: Italian Grappa, French Mark, Georgian Chacha or South Slavic Rakia. Fruit brandy (eau-de-vie de fruits) is made from any other berries or fruits except grapes. The most common apple brandy– Calvados, cherry – Kirschwasser, plum – Slivovitz, pear – Williams, raspberry – Framboise, juniper berry brandy – Borovichka.

If the brandy does not indicate the raw materials from which it is made, then such brandy is always grape. Otherwise, the raw materials must be indicated.

Brandy can also be graded according to the strength of the drink, regardless of the raw material. There are also three main groups here:

strong brandy – alcohol content 80-90% vol. It is most often used in the preparation of fortified wines. Brandy grappa contains an alcohol content of 70-80% vol. Before use, it must be diluted with distilled water. Regular brandy with an alcohol content of 57-75% vol. This is, in fact, brandy in the usual sense that we use. This is what we see on store shelves.

HOW TO DRINK BRANDY. BRANDY GLASSES.

Brandy is usually served in tulip-shaped cognac glasses, narrowed at the top. Usually after a meal, that is, as a digestif. Before serving, it is recommended to slightly cool the drink, to approximately 16 degrees. Before drinking, warm the glass of brandy slightly in your palm. This increases the concentration of aromas in the drink, allowing you to feel taste range and an exquisite bouquet of brandy.

This drink goes great with meat dishes. High-quality brandy can also be enjoyed with a cigar or coffee. In this case, it is advisable to use freshly ground coffee and brew it according to all preparation rules.

As a compromise, brandy can be drunk as an aperitif. Then the drink is consumed with ice or soda, as part of all kinds of cocktails.

READING THE BRANDY LABEL

When buying brandy, first of all we pay attention to the label of the bottle. The following designations are most common.

Hors D "age - brandy “out of age", usually aged for more than 10 years. Vintage - vintage brandy, the vintage year is indicated. X.O. (Extra Old) - brandy aged for at least 6 years, and Napoleon aged for at least 4 years. V.S.O.P. (Very Special Old Pale or 5 stars) - brandy that has been aged for at least 5 years. V.S. (Very Special or 3 stars) - means that the brandy has been aged for at least 3 years. A.C. - means that the brandy has been aged in wooden containers for at least 2 years.

Vintage brandies are aged for more than seven years.

As mentioned above, there is no strict classification of brandy. Therefore, inscriptions and designations such as Napoleon, V.S., V.S.O.P., Extra and other manufacturers are borrowed from cognac production. In the case of brandy, they often do not play a serious semantic role and act only as decoration for the bottle. Only three types of brandy, according to INAO rules, are entitled to use these categories on their labels - Armagnac, Cognac and Calvados.

In France, for example, if brandy is made from grape material, then the designation “FRENCH BRANDY” must be applied to the label. If the production technology involves the use of other alcohols, such as grain or potato alcohols, then the inscription “FRENCH SPIRITUEUX” is mandatory. This designation appears even if at least some of these alcohols are added to grape ones. The situation is different if the word "COGNAC" is on the label. French legislation very strictly regulates the production of this drink and the design of its label. Since almost all cognacs, with rare exceptions, consist of a mixture of alcohols different years aged and from different vineyards (that is, blended), then the law obliges to indicate the minimum age of cognac spirit that is included in the blend.

There is one more feature in the designation of the brandy label. This is an indication of the raw materials from which the drink is made. When grape brandy without various fruit or berry additions, then they write “Laine” on the bottle or do not indicate anything. If the drink is made from any other fruit and berry raw material, then the name of this raw material is added to the word “brandy” on the label. Example - Cherry Brandy (cherry brandy).

BEST BRANDY BRANDS

It would be unfair not to name the most popular brands of such a wonderful drink as brandy. In Spain, the best drinks are those from Ferreira and Ribero, aged in port barrels. Italians praise the products of Bouton and Stock 84. In Greece, the standard of this drink is the Metaxa brandy. And of course, the whole world knows the famous French brandies - Armagnac, cognac and Calvados.

In stores you can find brandy both aged and unaged. Unaged brandy generally has high clarity. The aged drink acquires a light brown, golden color.