Cognac

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Cognac is an alcoholic beverage and more precisely a type of brandy. The drink, which many consider extremely sophisticated, is named after the French city of Cognac. The favorite alcoholic beverage of both ladies and gentlemen must be made from grapes from this area in order to be qualified as cognac.

Composition of cognac

Cognac contains tannins, tannins, flavonoids, proteins, acids, minerals and more.

History of cognac

Experts believe that the history of cognac is very old. It is said that the aromatic drink was produced in antiquity. In the first century, the Romans brought the vine to an area from present-day France. Initially, the crop was grown only in the Rhone Valley, but later became popular in other parts of France. At the same time, wine production became popular. According to some sources, the discovery of the drink came as a surprise and is associated with the activities of cunning Dutch traders transporting certain types of products from the area of the French city. Cognac. In the thirteenth century, a large number of vineyards were grown here.

At that time, merchants loaded wines from the region, but because they did not know how to store them properly, they sometimes soured during their transition. After the customs duties for trade in alcoholic beverages were increased, the traders decided to use a trick. They subjected the wine to distillation so that its volume was reduced. The resulting substance was then diluted with water. This is how alcohol called brandy came about. Centuries later, brandy began to be stored and transported in oak barrels.

In the eighteenth century, barrels prepared for transport remained in port a little longer because of the war between France and England. After the hostilities subsided, it became clear that the drink in the barrel had acquired a unique taste and smelled tempting. However, the famous alcohol acquired a finished look after the intervention of the French knight De la Croix Maron, who became involved in wine production. The idea of double distillation of wine came to him. Thus, in combination with the storage in oak barrels, the incredible one was born cognac.

Cognac production

Today the quality cognac is made from a grape variety known as June Blanc. It is characterized by a delicate aroma and high acidity. Its characteristic feature is the low sugar content. The technology of growing cognac is strictly observed. The grapes are picked and crushed with horizontal presses. The seeds, bunches and skins of the grapes themselves are removed. No sugar is added to the resulting juice. As it has already become clear, double distillation is needed to obtain real cognac.

Otherwise, the material must stand in barrels made of oak. It is also interesting that the trees that are used to make these vessels must be at least eighty years old. In turn, wooden arches should stay for several years until they become usable (at least for this purpose). Meanwhile, the distillate is involved in various physical and chemical processes, which later proved to be important for the final taste and aroma of cognac. While in the barrels, it absorbs the tannins and flavonoids contained in the wood.

Types of cognac

The classification of cognacs occurs depending on the aging time of the alcohol used in the drink. Information on the classification of the alcoholic product is indicated on its label. Alcohol lovers can choose between: V. S./Very Special / - cognac, whose distillate has been stored in oak barrels for at least 2.5 years, V. S. O. P./Very Superior Old Pale /, V. O./Very Old /, Reserve- cognaccontaining distillate grown for at least 4 years, VVSOP / Very-Very Superior Old Pale /, Grande Reserve-cognac whose distillate has matured for at least 5 years and XO / Extra Old /, Extra, Napoleon, Hors d'age, Tres Vieux, Vieille Reserve-cognac, whose distillate has been grown in wooden barrels for 6 years.

Use of cognac in cooking

Cognac is consumed both in its pure form and in combination with other drinks. Its delicate aroma and irresistible taste make it suitable for use in various cocktails. The most successful among them are golden cocktail, sauce, sangria, glock and milkshake. Cognac can also be added to caffeinated beverages and teas, and the result will pleasantly surprise you.

The use of the aromatic elixir does not end there. Experienced chefs know that there are some sweet temptations that would not be the same without the participation of cognac in them. It can easily be added to recipes for cakes, pies, candies, cakes, ice cream, creams and all sorts of other sweet temptations. Cognac can also be included in a salty specialty. Among them are Stephanie's village cognac and a French hors d'oeuvre with frog legs.

Serving cognac

However, true connoisseurs of alcoholic beverages prefer to consume it in its pure form. In this situation, the cognac is served in a glass-type glass at a temperature of fifteen degrees Celsius. Otherwise, the cups in question are held by the wide part with the whole palm. In this way, the temperature of the hand helps to reveal the scent of the drink.

Useful properties of cognac

The harm of alcohol has been talked about and will be talked about. However, it is believed that cognac is one of those drinks that have positive sides and can even have a beneficial effect on the body, as long as they are consumed in moderation. This fragrant elixir works well on people who suffer from lack of appetite. Among its most valuable qualities is the ability to support the activities of all organs.

According to scientists, the aromatic drink, taken in small doses, has a tonic effect. In addition, it turns out that cognac has a beneficial effect on stomach ulcers, and also accelerates the treatment of angina and helps reduce fever. Reasonable intake of cognac has a positive effect on poor memory and helps to release kidney stones.