Distilled wine. In a simple sense – but so much more elegant than that makes it sound.
Brandy can come from distilled wine of many fruits – or in the case of pomace brandy, from the skins of the fruit.
Generally drunk as an after-dinner digestif, we stock a large range of Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados – and other brandies too.
Make sure you check out the vintages – some of these go way, way, way back…
| Name | Country | Age / Yr / Vintage | Brandy Type | ABV | Size | Price | Buy | hf:att:pa_brandy-type |
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Brandy and Brandy types
This must be the most recognised grape brandy in the world. For Cognac to be Cognac, the grapes must be grown in a specific area to the north of Bordeaux. Mostly using the Ugni Blanc variety which have an aroma of raisin and violets.
Cognac can differ by area and age – however the best are considered to be from close to the town of Cognac itself.
Cognac age statements / indications;
VS (Very Special) – minimum aged 2 years
VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) – minimum aged 4 years
XO (Extra Old) / Hors d’Age / Napoléon – min 6 years
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Where Cognac is dominated by large producers, it is with Armagnac where the smaller Châteaus get chance to shine.
Armagnac follows a similar path to Cognac in terms of production, however there is a wider use of permitted grape variety.
Key differences also include a greater variety of vintages with Armagnac – as well as an unnamed spirit, called Blanche.
Armagnac labelling:
Blanche (Unaged) – Minimum 3 months in stainless steel
VS (Very Special) – Minimum 1 year in oak
VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) – minimum 4 years on oak
Hors d’Age / Vintage – Minimum 10 years in oak
Whereas Cognac and Armagnac are made from grapes, Calvados is made from apples or pears which grow better in the north of France – specifically, in Normandy.
Typically aged in oak barrels, Calvados usually retains an aroma of it’s base ingredient.
Browse other spirits
