VIN de FRANCE

I promise, this is the last thing I'm going to say about the wine industry as it relates to our French brothers.   Today, we look deeper into Cognac - that special brandy. 

Remember that cognac is brandy coming from two certain French Departments in the western part of the country.  It is very special - it must be twice distilled and then aged at least two years in oak barrels. 

So, what do you have to know to buy some?   Here is the trick; they have a grading system especially for cognac.  Look on the bottle for these designations.

VS   This stands for "very special" (but it's not).   It's been aged less than 4 years and is suitable as a mixer.  If you're making a special cocktail that includes a cognac, use the VS.  It's the cheapest.

VSOP   This stand for "very superior old pale."   It has been aged at least 4 years.  Now we're talking a drink we can have straight up after dinner.

XO   This stands for "extra old".  It has been aged a minimum of 10 years - if blended, no part less than 6 years.  Exquisite sipping - go to the den, find an overstuffed chair, and light up a cigar if you enjoy them.

There are some cognacs that are graded better than XO but I won't mention them because you can't afford them.

That's it.  Next week I'll go elsewhere exploring the intoxicants of the world.
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