We had an awesome Holiday Tasting this past weekend with a bunch of great wines.  If you want to see what you missed, the list is still available at www.antiochwine.com.  Some of my favorites (I didn't get to try most since I was working) were, of course, Caymus Cabernet, the Seghesio Zinfandel and the Red Sparkling Brut.  I also really enjoyed the cocktails prepared by Sonja from North Shore Distributors.  I will post them as soon as she gives them to me, but the Vodka based drink tasted just like Apple Pie.

Now, for something completely different.  Several years ago, I wrote an article about the differences between Brandy and Cognac and am reprinting it here since this spirit is great in cold weather and we have several great values in the store currently.  They also make a great gift.  Anyway, here is is (with a couple product updates):

BRANDY – THE SPIRIT OF WINE

            One of the most asked spirit questions involves distinguishing Cognac from Brandy.  Many times I have heard a customer state “I want a Cognac, not a brandy.”  Can’t be done.  All Cognac is brandy, but all brandy is not Cognac. 

Let’s keep it simple and start at the beginning, Brandy is the distillation of wine.  The name is derived from the Dutch “Brandewijn,” which means “burnt wine” (i.e., wine is heated in a still to produce brandy).  French brandies like Cognac and Armagnac are generally the most highly regarded as their distillation and quality is regulated.  Thus, Cognac and Armagnac are simply regions in France that produce some of the best brandies.  Only brandy produced from grapes grown in those regions can be called Cognac or Armagnac, respectively.  While many other countries make quality brandies, such as Greece, South Africa, Mexico, Italy and Spain, we will focus on France.

Cognac

            Cognac is made from a combination of three white grape varieties – the Ugni Blanc (the most prevalent), Folle Blanche and Colombard.  It is matured in casks made from the Limousin oak, which has just the right amount of porosity and tannin content.  This wood is matured seven years prior to being made into casks.  This dries the wood and some soluble extracts evaporate.

            Cognac may not be sold until it is at least three years old.  The age always refers to the youngest brandy in the blend.  Sometimes the terminology is confusing, so here are some common terms:

Three star or VS (very special) 3-5 years of cask maturation.

VSOP (very superior old pale)  7-17 years of maturation.

VO (very old)

Reserve           

XO (extra old), Grand Reserve,            the very finest products matured

Hors d’Age, Extra                                20-40 years or more

Grand Fine Champagne                        brandy from grapes grown in the Grand Champagne zone.  It is the finest of brandies, very elegant.

Fine Champagne                                   another excellent style from grapes grown in the Grand Champagne zone (at least 50%) and the Petite Champagne zone.

Armagnac

          Armagnac was first distilled in the fifteenth century, predating even Cognac.  It is made in a still unique to the region and can produce a spirit lower in alcohol.  It ages faster than Cognac so usually gets less time to mature in wood.  Some terminology:

Three stars                                           maturation of between 1 and three years

VSOP                                                  four years in the cask

VO, Hors d’Age                                  five or more years of maturation in the cask

Favorites and Values

 
Pierre Ferrand Memoire - specially produced by their master distiller from old casks - we have several vintages at less than 1/2 price as they usually sell for over $200.

Landy's Ship Bottles - another commemorative product.  These make an awesome gift, have a great Cognac inside, and are also selling for under $100, when they usually are around $300.

Meukow Cognac - we have some great deals on their XO and VS products at around 1/2 price.  The XO is a very nice gift pack - we have only about 5 cases left since one customer just reserved 4 cases.

Casterede Armgance - we have the 1939 and 1950 vintages - just received a glowing report from an Armagnac afficionado about the 1950 vintage.

            Finally, while many like to sip their brandy (usually with a good cigar in their mouth and a babe on their lap), here are some of my favorite brandy recipes:

Between the Sheets

½ measure brandy

½ measure white rum

½ measure Cointreau (or Triple Sec)

1 dash lemon juice

ice

Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.  May decorate with a strawberry or whatever fruit you like.

Brandy Alexander

1 measure brandy

1 measure crème de cacao

1 measure fresh cream

ice

Shake with ice and strain into champagne glass.  Sprinkle grated nutmeg on top.

Rendezvous

1 measure brandy

1 measure strega

1 measure cherry brandy

pineapple spear

ice

Shake ingredients with ice.  Strain into cocktail glass.  Garnish with pineapple.

Moulin Rouge

2 measures brandy

3 measures pineapple juice

well chilled champagne or sparkling wine (white)

ice

Half fill a highball glass with ice.  Pour in brandy and juice.  Stir and top with Champagne.