Cognac & Armagnac

Question 1

How many permitted grape varieties are there in Cognac?

Answer 1

6

Question 2

What is the most common grape variety in Cognac?

Answer 2

Ugni Blanc

Question 3

How many permitted grape varieties are there in Armagnac?

Answer 3

10

Question 4

What are the most important grape varieties in Armagnac?

Answer 4

Ugni Blanc, Baco, Folle Blanche, Colombard.

Question 5

Following the grape harvest, what date must both Cognac and Armagnac be distilled by?

Answer 5

31st March

Question 6

What date is the start of a new Compte?

Answer 6

1st April

Question 7

What is the maximum distillation strength of Cognac and Armagnac, 72.4% or 74.2% ?

Answer 7

72.4% ABV

Question 8

Wines distilled earlier in the season have what qualities?

Answer 8

Brighter and crisper. Apple aromas and lean texture.

Question 9

In Cognac, what is the maximum permitted size of the Premiere Chauffe still?

Answer 9

140HL (120HL max fill)

Question 10

In Cognac, what is the maximum permitted size of the Bonne Chauffe still?

Answer 10

30HL (25HL max fill)

Question 11

Malolactic Fermentation is almost universally practiced in Cognac & Armagnac. Why is this?

Answer 11

Malic acid is a key nutrient for Spoilage bacteria. Converting it to Lactic acid (by LAB) helps stabilse the wine and reduce chance of spoiling whilst awaiting distillation.

Question 12

What are the minimum and maximum strengtha of the wine prior to distillation?

Answer 12

7% and 12% abv respectively.

Question 13

What aromas do Baco grapes bring to Armagnac?

Answer 13

Earthy, dried figs and dried prunes.

Question 14

Are Baco grapes permitted in Cognac?

Answer 14

No.

Question 15

What is the maximum permitted number of plates in an Alambic Armagnacais?

Answer 15

17

Question 16

In the compte system, what does the labelling term VS refer to?

Answer 16

Compte 2

Question 17

In the compte system, what does the labelling term VSOP or Reserve refer to?

Answer 17

Compte 4

Question 18

In the compte system, what does the labelling term Napoleon refer to?

Answer 18

Compte 6

Question 19

In the compte system, what does the labelling term XO or Hors D’age refer to?

Answer 19

Compte 10

Question 20

In the compte system, what does the labelling term XXO refer to?

Answer 20

Compte 14

Question 21

What is a “Faible”?

Answer 21

A low strength spirit aged (typically 30% or under) in a barrel used to dilue a product to bottling strength. Can add distinct bright floral aromas.