Cognac
Town On The Charente That Gives Its Name To The Brandy, Home Of The Great Houses Such As Hennessy, RéMy Martin And Martell, And Of Small Growers Across The Six Crus · Cognac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Cognac is a quiet town on the river Charente that has given its name to one of the most famous spirits in the world. The brandy is made from white wine, mostly from the Ugni Blanc grape, distilled twice in copper pot stills over the winter and then aged for years in oak barrels, during which part of it evaporates, the angels' share. The great houses, among them Hennessy, Martell, Rémy Martin and Otard, have their cellars and headquarters here, and most offer guided tours with tastings that must usually be booked. The walls and roofs near the cellars are darkened by a black fungus that feeds on the evaporating alcohol. The Château Royal, where King François I was born in 1494, holds the Otard cellars. The old town has narrow streets of pale stone houses that lead down to the river quays. Around the town the vineyards are divided into six growing areas, or crus, and many small family growers sell cognac and Pineau des Charentes directly from their farms.
Quai des cognacs and the old town, Cognac, Charente, Cognac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
The old town, the quays along the Charente and the public gardens are open at all hours. The cognac houses run guided tours at set times, generally daily from spring to autumn and on fewer days in winter, when some close for weeks or run tours only on certain days; most tours must be booked in advance, often online, and the popular ones sell out in summer. Tastings at different levels, from basic to rare old blends, are sold as separate tickets and prices vary widely, so confirm what is included. Some houses stop or change tours during the distillation season or for private events. The Château Royal visit is run by the Otard house with its own schedule. The museum of the cognac arts and the town museum keep their own seasonal hours and close one day a week; check before going. Small growers in the countryside are best visited by appointment, as they may be working in the vines or at the still. Shops close on Sundays and many restaurants close on Sunday evening and Monday.