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Regions of cognac
The region authorised to produce cognac is divided up into six zones,
including five crus (singular cru), broadly covers the department of
Charente-Maritime, a large part of the department of Charente and a few
areas in Deux-Svres and the Dordogne. The six zones are, in order of
decreasing appreciation of the cognacs coming from them: Grande
Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bon Bois and
finally Bois Ordinaire.
REGIONS
Map of the Cognac region
PRODUCTION OF COGNAC
Grades
VS Very Special, or *** (three stars) where the youngest brandy is stored at least
two years in cask.
VSOP Very Superior Old Pale, where the youngest brandy is stored at least four
years in cask, but the average wood age is much older.
XO Extra Old, where the youngest brandy is stored at least six, but average
upwards of 20 years.
It is important to notice, that no house of cognac produces all the above mentioned
grades/qualities.
The crus where the grapes were grown can also be used to define the cognac, and give a
guide to some of the flavour characteristics of the cognac