Cognac

Cognac is a variety of brandy produced exclusively in the Cognac region of southwestern France, made chiefly from the Ugni Blanc grape. Its production is tightly regulated under a protected designation of origin, requiring double distillation in traditional copper pot stills followed by aging in French oak barrels for at least two years, with many cognacs aged far longer under grading terms such as VS, VSOP and XO that signal increasing minimum age. The result is a smooth, aromatic brandy prized for sipping and long associated with luxury and prestige in export markets, particularly outside France.