The cognac vineyards which bring the village name Cognac its fame hold the history of generations within the grapevines. The families who produce grap...
The cognac vineyards which bring the village name Cognac its fame hold the history of generations within the grapevines. The families who produce grapes there do so ever mindful of their distinctive cultural responsibility. The celebrated cognacs developed there have reputations to uphold. Once these delightful liquors have been tasted,
it is completely understandable that people cherish their elegance.
The area has a history which dates from the 1500's, with grape harvests devoted to making the beloved liquid amber spirits. The refined cognac, which is brandy distilled to its highest level, has unparalleled flavor. Aromatic in taste, with smooth elegance on the tongue, mature bottles are often as valuable as gold.
There are important steps required during the distillation process. The highly experienced vintners use proprietary techniques to produce their bottles of liquid gold. Each brings distinctive flavors to his family house.
Each house has its own history, and each has its own branding, bottling, and logo. Making purchases requires knowledge of what each house has to offer in terms of flavors. Some devotees have sampled the different offerings and settled upon a favorite, while others enjoy tasting and comparing the best from various houses.
Classifying the distilleries that have survived for centuries is simple. They, and their flagship products, carry the name vintage. They are legendary for many differing reasons. Some are small and still harvest by hand, protecting their grapes. Others lived successfully through the mold and lice plagues that hit many vineyards in the 1800's era. Most are known for their rigorous production techniques passed from grandparent all the way to grandchild. Newcomers to the area and business are simply called young. Though there are many competing houses, they all strive to create the best product available.
For the master vintners, creating high quality spirits is an art form. It takes many years of resting for flavors to refine properly. Many barrels contain their golden liquids in deep cellars, tended by their masters over time. The grading for the bottles that eventually emerge depends on the right aging. Top quality will command high selling prices, much as fine works of art at auction. Collectors scour the available bottles, bidding high for their cherished brands, and ultimately taking years to assemble their prized collections.
Chateau des Velois, home to the famous Otard Cognac, is a house that has held generations since the medieval ages. Its history is intertwined with royalty, as it was home for Francois I, who was destined to be King. The Otard name comes from Baron James O'tard, who was its Scottish owner. First built in the 800's, it was a beautiful castle. Later, during the Hundred Year War it served as a fortress. Collectors know that the finest blend it produces is kept inside this chateau in a secret cave, and many refer to this house as the most famous dynasty of all cognacs.
Drinking
cognac is a very specialized pursuit. Learning about it is an ongoing passion. Discovering what this intriquing culture has to offer has been facilitated by excellent books and Internet sites devoted to all aspects of this hobby. Delving deep into the history of this fascinating area of France is worthy of the time it involves. Enjoying the famous French spirits is certainly more meaningful when tied to the vast anecdotes and facts about this elegant product.
