Fun facts about cognac

Whilst Cognac production stretches across both the Charente and Charente Maritime regions, the golden triangle known as the “Grande Champagne” is the area between Cognac, Segonzac and Jarnac. The Grande Champagne is the geological centre (or “terroir”) of cognac country producing the best “cru”. Segonzac, being in the centre, is the ‘capital’ of the area.

Cognac is a blend of eaux-de-vie (twice distilled white wine) of different vintages (after ageing in oak barrels). Accordingly, there are several quality levels classified in accordance with legal standards based on the youngest eau-de-vie used:
VS (“Very Special”) – the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend must be aged for a minimum of 2 years
VSOP (“Very Superior Old Pale”) – the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend must be aged for a minimum of 4 years
XO (“Extra Old”) – the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend must be aged for a minimum of 10 years

Cognac production is small in scale compared with say the whisky, vodka, gin and even the tequila industries but in 2022, over 212.5 million bottles were exported in nearly 150 countries for a total of €3.9bn annual sales. That is 7 bottles sold every second! Cognac accounts for nearly 25% of the revenue from the total French wine and spirits exports even though it represents only 10% of the country’s vineyards.

At anytime there are 7 years worth of stock ‘sleeping’ in the “chais” (overground cellars) equivalent of nearly 2 billion bottles. Each year, the equivalent of around 38 million bottles evaporate in the chais, this is called the “angels’ share”. The best and rarest cognac (some dating back to Napoleon) are kept under lock and key in the chais, in special areas called “paradise”.

98% of the total production is exported out of France. Although there are around 265 Cognac houses, four Cognac brands share around 85% of the world market by volume and nearly 90% by value : Hennessy (LVMH), Martell (Pernod Ricard), Rémy Martin (Rémy Cointreau), and Courvoisier (Campari).

Whether you like it neat, on ice or in cocktails (the popular one is ‘Cognac Schweppes’), before, during or after a meal, you will always find a cognac you like!