COGNAC / ARMAGNAC
AT BARNONE
All ratings and notes on cognac are provided by Salvatore Calabrese, the worlds leading cognac expert. Cognac is a brandy produced in the region surrounding the town.
It must be made from at least 90% Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, or Colombard grapes. The remainder may consist of the grape varieties Folignan, Jurancon blanc, Meslier St-Francois, Months, and Sémil- lon, however, most cognac is made from Ugni Blanc only. It must be distilled twice in copper pot stills and aged at least two years in French oak barrels that are sealed airtight in order to be called cognac.A similar drink, but distilled in a different way and produced in another region is armagnac from Armagnac. There is also calvados based on apples from the BasseNormandie or Lower Nor- mandy region, and plum brandy from Souillac.
The town of Cognac is one of only three offidally demarcated brandy regions in Europe; the others are the French town of Armagnac and the Spanish town of Jerez.
COGNAC
Cognac is made exclusively from grapes. It comes from a dearly defined region of Bordeaux, near the town of Cognac. With its chalky, stony sod and sunny temperate dimate the region is perfect for vine growing. The grape variety used for the production of Hennessy Cognac is called Ugni Blanc which produces a fruity, white wine perfect for distillation.
BISQUIT CLASSIQUE
Rating: 79
Recommended on Ice with fresh lime. Pleasant at first, but It has crossed the line where the fruit and caramel Interfere to the detriment of the blend. Good Spice and character though.
ORIGIN: Roulilic, FRANCE DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Pernod Ricard DISTILLATION: Traditional — Double Distillation AGED FOR: 8 Years MADE FROM: Ugni Blanc Grapes ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
HENNESSY V.S.
Rating: 85
Bright golden colour. The powerful bouquet is dominated by overtones of oak, giving way to reveal a delicate scent of hazelnuts. Smooth and floral, the palate combines the sweetness of red fruits with a hint of vanilla that lingers long. Lively and round this Is a consistent performer and extremely easy to drink. For those un-Initiat- ed into the world of Cognac, it is considered a fine introduction.
ORIGIN: Cognac, FRANCE DISTILLERY OWNED BY: LVMH Luxury
Brands Group DISTILLATION: Traditional — Double distillation
AGED FOR: 8 Years MADE FROM: Ugni Blanc Grapes ALCOHOL CONTENT: 42%
BISQUIT V.S.O.P. FINE
CHAMPAGNE Rating: 88
Bisquit VS Classique is a rare cognac thanks to the boldness of its aroma, slowly developed dur- ing the 3 - 5 year maturing period in oak casks. Bisquit Classique Cognac has beautiful amber colour with a woody bouquet. On the palate it reveals the powerful blend of a vintage cognac Nutty flavours of almonds with a well-balanced sweet mid palate. Good oak integration. Found- ed in 1819 by Alexandre Bisquit, aged 20.In 1830 Bisquit were the first company to sell cognac in bottles and today it still owns the biggest single vineyard in the Cognac region.
ORIGIN: Rouillic, FRANCE DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Pernod Ricard DISTILLATION: Traditional — Double Distillation AGED FOR: 15 Years MADE FROM: Ugni Blanc Grapes ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
COURVOISIER V.S.
Rating: 88
Medium copper chestnut colour. Sweet caramel and harvest fruit aromas. A round, supple entry leads to a dryish, light-to medium body with per- fumed fruit and dry oaky spice. Finishes with a dry, spicy fade, fuel-like elements, and modest heat. A nice VS Cognac with some Interesting character.
ORIGIN: Bercy, FRANCE DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Jim Beam Global Brands DISTILLATION: Traditional — Double Distillation AGED FOR: 8 Years MADE FROM: Ugni Blanc Grapes ALCOHOL CONTENT: 42.4%
HENNESSY V.S.O.P.
Rating: 92
This Is an outstanding cognac. A full round style, complex and distinctively French. The nose shows a delicate blend of wood notes and spic- es, punctuated by the scent of doves and cin- namon. Intense palate, with buttery undertones and a long lingering warm spirit finish. Sip from a brandy balloon after warming between the palms. Try it with a Cohiba cigar.
ORIGIN: Cognac, FRANCE DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Luxury Brands Group DISTILLATION: Traditional — Double Distillation AGED FOR: 15 Years MADE FROM: Ugni Blanc Grapes ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
COURVOISIER V.S.0.P
Rating: 94
Champagne fine in relation to cognac denotes very old, very fine and very excellent brandy. Courvoisier V.S.O.P. certainiy warrants this de- scription. It Is an excellent alternative for those who appreciate a lighter, less dry style. Warm delicate aroma, with slight fruitiness. Slightly full- er on the palate than the bouquet, with plenty of complexity and richness in near perfect bal- ance. Oaky touches with a firm, long dryish finish. An ideal match with food or may be enhanced with a dash of water.
ORIGIN: Bercy, FRANCE DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Jim Beam Global Brands DISTILLATION: Traditional — Double Distillation AGED FOR: 15 Years MADE FROM: Ugni Blanc Grapes ALCOHOL CONTENT: 42.4%
DELAMAIN PALE & DRY X.O.
Rating: 92
Recommended neat in a warmed wine tasting glass. The Demalain Paie & Dry X.O is a blend made exclusively with grand champagne and aged for 30 years. The bouquet is characterised by the powerfulness and length of the floral aro- mas, backed by the distinctive vanilla of its ran- cio. It has a mellow roundness on the palate with a well rounded fruitiness.
ORIGIN: Jamac, FRANCE DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Fine Wine Partners DISTILLATION: Traditional — Double Distillation AGED FOR: 30 Years MADE FROM: Ugni Blanc Grapes ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
HENNESSY FINE DE COGNAC
Rating: 95
A VSOP style blend of around sixty eaux-de-vie aged between four and ten years, this is a stylish cognac equally at home in a quality cocktail or as a digestif. Excellent value for money.
ORIGIN: Cognac, FRANCE DISTILLERY OWNED BY: LVMH Luxury
Brands Group DISTILLATION: Traditional — Double Distillation
AGED FOR: 12 Years MADE FROM: Ugni Blanc Grapes ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
HENNESSV X.O.
Rating: 89
Deep amber in colour Indicative of its age, this is a very developed style that has a lovely soft, round mouthfeel and fantastic complexity. The nose displays spicy aromas of oak and leather with the sweeter essences of flowers and ripe fruit. The palate is full-bodied and complex, well- balanced, with the initial flourish dominated by the powerful suggestion of pepper and rancio, which testify to the long years it has spent be- ing aged. The finish Is again, complex and long- lasting.
ORIGIN: Cognac, FRANCE DISTILLERY OWNED BY: LVMH Luxury
Brands Group DISTILLATION: Traditional — Double Distillation
AGED FOR: 30 Years MADE FROM: Ugni Blanc Grapes ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
ARMAGNAC
Armagnac was one of the first areas in France to begin distilling spirits, however the brandies pro- duced have a lower profile than those from Cognac, and the overall volume of production is far smaller. In addition they are for the most part made and sold by small producers, whereas in Co- gnac production is dominated by big-name brands. Armagnac is traditionally distilled once, which results initially in a less polished spirit than in Cognac where double distillation usually takes place. However long ageing in oak barrels softens the taste, and causes the development of more com- plex flavours and a brown colour. Ageing in the barrel removes a part of the water by evaporation (known as apart des anges”, “angePs tribute” or “angers share”) and allows more complex aro- matic compounds to appear by oxidation, which further improves the flavour. When the alcohol reaches 4O% the Armagnac can be transferred to large glass bottles called “Dame Jeanne” for storage. From then on the armagnac does not age or develop further, and can be bottled for sale from the next year on.
CHATEAU DE SEMPE V.S.O.P
Rating: 89
Sempe V.S.O.P. is produced from a single distil- lation of white wine (A blend of Foile Blanche, ugni Blanc and other regional grape varieties from the Bas-Armagnac and Ténarèze regions) in a typical alambic copper-still. As soon as It emerges from the still, the Armagnac is put into oak casks, known as ‘Amlagnac pièces’ for a minimum of six years. Most of the oak timber which is used comes from the Armagnac forest. The resulting spirit possesses astonishingly smooth and fragrant character that has won it the title of the veivet flame.’ An excellent digestlf, Sem- pé V.S.O.P.
ORIGIN: Armagnac, FRANCE DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Sempe Distillery DISTILLATION: Traditional — Single Distillation AGED FOR: 8 Years MADE FROM: 40% Baco, 60% Uni Blanc ALCOHOL CONTENT: 45%
DELORD RECOLTE 1985
Rating: 95
Recommended in a warmed wine tasting glass. oaky but more crem brulee in style, and maity peaty in an isiay malt whisky kind of way. Vanilla oaky in the mouth too, with the oak tannin assist- ing in building texture. Has a long, mellow finish.
ORIGIN: Armagnac, FRANCE DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Amaud and Denis
Lesgourgues DISTILLATION: Traditional — Single Distillation
AGED FOR: 15 Years MADE FROM: 40% Baco, 60% Uni Blanc ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%
COMTE DE LAMAESTRE 1979
Rating: 96
Mature smelling- almost smells like a an old full- bodied red - with coriander and toffee and gin- ger spice. Some peat too and a bit of vanilla / chocolate oaky. Savoury and dry on the palate and with grip and chewiness and savoury nutty flavours. Spicy, nutmeg characters too and fin- ishing long and savoury with hints of tobacco. An intriguing and complex Armagnac.
ORIGIN: Lannepax, FRANCE DISTILLERY OWNED BY: Delord Family DISTILLATION: Traditional — Single Distillation AGED FOR: 15 Years MADE FROM: 40% Baco, 60% Uni Blanc ALCOHOL CONTENT: 40%