The process of making cognac
The process of making cognac is long and sophisticated. Locally grown Ugni White grapes journey through six major steps – starting the moment they are gingerly picked from their vines to that first sip as an exceptional cognac in your glass.
WINEMAKING
Everything begins with the grapes
Once a year, perfectly mature grapes must be harvested quickly and with precision. The mechanical harvests of the Charente vineyards allow extreme precision, both in quality and quantity. Ugni Blanc grapes are perfectly suited for our distillation process. A late-maturing varietal, it strikes the right balance between high acidity and a low alcohol content, which is ideal for well-balanced eaux-de-vie.
Cognac can be crafted only in Cognac
A spirit which bears the Cognac Protected Appellation of origin (PDO) has to comply with regulated specifications, its grapes must be grown in Cognac, and the wine made from them produced here, defined by strict borders encircling the Charente River. You can taste the difference.
As far as the eye can see
The vineyards of Cognac have an exploitable surface area of approximately 75,000 hectares. This land is divided into six crus.
The cycle of life
Throughout the year, we follow the vines’ natural lifecycle. As winter falls, the barren vines have to be pruned and tied. In the spring, the sap rises from the roots. The first leaves and buds appear. An unmistakeable scent fills the air. The first fruits appear in summer, the warmth of the sun maturing them in time for the Autumn harvest.
DESTILLATION
Transforming wine into eau-de-vie
Between October and the 31st of March, at the latest, the distilleries are busy day and night. Passionate artisans fill, monitor, and cosset the traditional Charentais copper stills. This process of transforming wine into eau-de-vie harnesses the liquid’s volatile compounds. A long, delicate distillation preserves the soul of the wine.
Not once, but twice
Double distillation is required to make eaux-de-vie for cognac. In the first, a raw spirit called “brouillis” is produced. The second distillation produces a much higher alcohol content. Only the middle part, the ‘heart’, is saved. This clear, colorless liquid is called eau-de-vie.
12 KG – 9 LITRES – 1 LITRE
It takes approximately 12kg of grapes to obtain 1 litre of eau-de-vie. Pressing the grapes produces 9 litres of wine. Distilled once, this results in 3 litres of brouillis. Distilled a second time, it generates one litre of pure eau-de-vie.
BARRELS OF DEDICATION
Eaux-de-vie and wood age together for years, exchanging flavors and colors. Each eau-de-vie demands years of labor, as well as rotation between different barrels, so that it can reach its full complexity.
RAISING EAUX-DE-VIE
Eaux-de-vie are raised in chais – special, carefully monitored cellars. Temperature and lighting are important factors. Eaux-de-vie aged in more humid chais, close to the Charente river, can be mellower and rounder. Those raised in drier chais may have more character.
A UNIQUE INVENTORY
Maison Hennessy’s reserve is one of the largest collections of eaux-de-vie in the world. It has over 350,000 barrels stored in 65 cellars. This inventory is the legacy of familys predecessors, which have been treasured for over 200 years.
BLENDING
THE ART OF DISCERNMENT
Unlike other spirits, maturation is not the only factor that determines the quality of a cognac. Only a meticulously selected blend of fine eaux-de-vie can lead to a distinct, superior cognac. This art of discerning is entrusted to the Master Blender and the Tasting Committee, who meet daily at 11am sharp to taste eaux-de-vie and evaluate their potential.
CREATING CONSISTENT PERFECTION
The eaux-de-vie are of different ages and domains and will express themselves differently after maturation. A Hennessy Cognac is the result of the assembly of all these nuances, to reproduce the same result over time.
TO BLEND OR NOT TO BLEND
Every year, the Hennessy Tasting Committee reviews around 10,000 eaux-de-vie. Each eau-de-vie is meticulously tasted, then selected or rejected if it doesn’t meet the strict quality standards set by the committee. The ones selected will be tasted at least once a year to ensure their maturation process. Contrary to other spirits, aging is not the only factor that matters in the quality of cognac. Only a meticulously selected blend of fine eaux-de-vie make for a distinct, superior cognac.
BOTTLING
Once the blends have been elaborated, bottles are prepared in the Charentais workshops and then are shipped to our distributors around the world. Each case begins its journey in Cognac, and we pay constant and serious attention to our ecological footprint, from packaging to modes of transport.
Exclusive selection of Cognac Hennesy limited edition
Enjoy Cognac with moderation. Content only for people age 18+.
This article is a colaboration with Maison Hennessy, part of the LVMH Group, a world leader in luxury. Pictures and citations copyright by Hennessy.
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