Cognac

Made in a legally defined region around the town of Cognac in southwest France, from specific grape varieties (mainly Ugni Blanc), double pot-distilled, and aged in French oak. Age designations — VS (Very Special, minimum 2 years), VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale, minimum 4 years), XO (Extra Old, minimum 10 years) — are minimums for the youngest component in a blend; premium bottlings often far exceed them.

Profile

Floral, fruity, refined, spice with age.

Pairs well with rich, fatty dishes (duck, pork belly), aged hard cheese, and dark chocolate as a digestif.