whiskey, cognac, brandy

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by TheRiddick

Those produced in Cognac are mostly produced from one grape varietal, uni blanc, with sometimes small additions of other less known grapes.

I thought Chard. was the main grape in Cognac?

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

I thought Chard. was the main grape in Cognac?

No Chard in Cognac.

From Cognac World

The entire Cognac vineyard covers around 80.000 hectares (1 hectare = 2,47 acres) and 15.000 plantations that produce white wine for the production of Cognac. The main grape variety that is planted is Ugni blanc (mostly "Folle Blanche" and "Colombard"). This slow ripening variety is very resistant to diseases and produces a wine that has two vital qualities : a high level of acidity and a generally low alcohol content.

[JohnnyFlake]

Since your are seeking information on Cognac you may be interested the how Cognac is graded:

The official quality grades of cognac are, according to the BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac):

* 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.

In addition can be mentioned:

* Napoleon Although the BNIC states this grade is equal to XO in terms of minimum age, it is generally marketed in-between VSOP and XO in the product range offered by the producers.
* Extra A minimum of 6 years of age, this grade is usually older than a Napoleon or an XO.
* Vieux Is another grade between the official grades of VSOP and XO.
* Vieille Réserve Is like the Hors d´Age a grade beyond XO.
* Hors d'âge The BNIC states that also this grade is equal to XO, but in practice the term is used by producers to market a high quality product beyond the official age scale. Hence the name "Hors d'age" (beyond age).

No house of cognac produces all the above mentioned grades/qualities.