Cognac is inarguably the most famous and prestigious of all brandies in the world. Cognac hails exclusively from the Charente-Maritime department in France, where the local grapes make a relatively poor wine, but are positively exquisite for distillation. Cognac benefits from extended ageing in barrels and while designations regulate a minimum age for different grades, Cognac houses will often go well above and beyond these in order to create the highest quality product. Some of these exceptional Cognacs may be aged for 40 years or more and can make a once-in-a-lifetime gift for a Cognac lover.
