What are the 2 overarching styles of Brandy?
- Brandy made from fruit other than grapes
- Brandy made from wine
Name 2 wine-based brandies.
- Cognac AOP
- Armagnac AOP
Name 2 fruit-based brandies.
- Calvados AOP
- Eau de Vie (not allowed to be made from grapes)
Where are Cognac AOP and Armagnac AOP in relation to the city of Bordeaux?
- Cognac AOP is NORTH of the city of Bordeaux
- Armagnac AOP is SOUTHEAST of the city of Bordeaux
Part of Cognac’s AOP is on the Atlantic coast
Armagnac is landlocked
Cognac is a brandy fermented from what?
White grape-based wines, with the main grape being Ugni Blanc
Armagnac is a brandy fermented from what?
Grape-based wines (most are white but a few can have pink skins)
How many times is Cognac distilled?
In what vessel is Cognac distilled?
Twice distilled in copper pot stills
How many times is Armagnac distilled?
In what vessel is Armagnac distilled?
Once distilled in a continuous still
What is the aging requirement for Cognac AOP?
Minimum 2 years in French oak barrels
What is the aging requirement for Armagnac AOP?
Minimum 2 years in French oak barrels
What is unique to the Armagnac region in France?
Armagnac is the ONLY place in France that allows the use of a hybrid grape (Baco) in wine production.
Where is Calvados AOP?
Northwestern France in Normandy, on the Atlantic coast
What product is Calvados AOP distilled from?
Apple cider and/or pear cider
Which type of still is used to make Calvados AOP?
Both pot + continuous stills – depends on the subregion.
What are the requirements when making a traditional Calvados AOP?
Twice distilled in a copper pot still
What are the aging requirements for Calvados AOP?
Minimum 2 years in French oak barrels
What does ‘eau de vie’ translate to in English?
Water of life
When are most Eaux de Vie bottled?
Why?
- Immediately after distillation
- To preserve essence of the fruit’s character
Give at least 3 examples of an Eau de Vie.
- Kirsch (cherry)
- Framboise (raspberry)
- Poire William (pear)
- Blume Marillen (apricot)
- Mirabelle (plum)
