Cognac "Lezginka" has a very complex and rich structure. The process of its production is very complicated, and all its details are classified. The manufacturer as a result managed to create a wonderful drink, which was appreciated by numerous lovers of cognac. How this cognac is produced, the history of the plant and how to distinguish real cognac from a fake will be described in the article.
Cognac production
The production of Lezginka cognac is a very complex and long-term process in which special grape varieties and special equipment are used. It also requires craftsmen who, with filigree accuracy, comply with the entire process.
It all starts with growing grapes. For classic cognac, varieties such as Colombard, Trebbiano and Grenache Blanc are used. Most often, the Trebbiano variety is used for the production of Lezginka cognac; more than 90% of cognacs are made from it.
After harvesting the grapes are sent to special presses, which slightly crush the berries. The resulting grape juice is poured into containers having a volume of 50 to 200 hectoliters, in which the juice begins to ferment. In this case, sugar is not added, you can add only antiseptics, antioxidants, the amount of which is strictly regulated. The control over the fermentation process is very strict, since the quality of Lezginka brandy directly depends on it.
Distillation
After fermentation, an un clarified and unfiltered dry wine is obtained, which is kept in its own yeast sludge until distillation.
For distillation using special copper distillation tanks, which are called alambiki. Before filling the alambika, the wine is heated, after which it is distilled into a milky liquid (bruy), which contains from 27 to 32% alcohol.
After the second distillation, pure cognac alcohol is obtained. When its content decreases to 60%, distillation is stopped. In order to distill one batch of cognac, it takes about 24 hours. To get one liter of pure cognac, you need to distill ten liters of wine.
Cognac extract
To get the familiar taste, smell and color, brandy alcohol must be aged for at least 30 months. Cognac alcohol is poured into oak barrels that do not have metal elements, as well as adhesive joints. For these reasons, the prices of real oak cognac barrels are very high.
For the manufacture of such barrels, oak is used, whose age is at least 150 years. Before you start using such a barrel for storing brandy alcohol, it must be kept in the open fresh air for at least five years.
During the aging of cognac alcohol in oak barrels, substances that create the aroma and color of the drink pass into it from the tree. The barrels themselves are used to age cognac an unlimited number of times. For every 12 months of aging, half a percent of alcohol evaporates, over 50 years the strength decreases to 46%, and brandy alcohol becomes dark and acquires a unique bouquet of aromas.
Blending brandy
After aging, proceed to blending (assembling) brandy. In fact, this is a mixture of cognac spirits, which have different aging periods, to get the final finished drink.
In the production of Russian cognac Lezginka, distilled water is added to the drink. This is done in order to regulate the strength of the drink. Sugar is also added, not more than 3.5% of the total, to regulate the taste. To give the cognac a rich dark color, caramel and oak chips are added to it. After all the procedures done, the cognac is bottled, on which labels are glued, corked and sold in retail.
Cognac "Lezginka": how to distinguish a fake
Manufacturers quite often face the fact of faking their products. This is especially common among the most popular brands of cognac. To avoid cases of acquisition of counterfeit products, you need to know the distinguishing features that a real cognac has.
On the photo of Lezginka cognac you can see the characteristic features that distinguish a real drink from a fake. On the bottle itself, in its upper part, there is an engraving in the form of an oval-shaped medallion with the numbers “1885” - this is the year of foundation of the Kizlyar cognac factory. Using hot stamping (without foil) stamping , the name of cognac and a portrait of Bagration are made. The label itself is varnished and has a holographic degree of protection.
How to distinguish cognac "Lezginka" from a fake by other characteristics? Laser dot marking is applied on the neck of the bottle, in which the lot number and production date are indicated. At the bottom of the bottle is the hallmark of the factory - manufacturer of glass containers.
Brand of Dagestan cognac "Lezginka"
Lezginka is a registered trademark owned by the Kizlyar Brandy Factory. The company is successful and highly profitable, its products are known throughout Russia. Kizlyar plant has an official status of a supplier of cognacs to the Moscow Kremlin. Moreover, one of the cognacs produced in Kizlyar is a protocol drink.
"Lezginka" is the brand's most recognizable and popular drink and has been produced since 1963. The bouquet of this cognac is a harmony of fruit and spicy notes that distinguish this drink from others. It has a long and warm finish with a hint of vanilla and chocolate. The main role in the taste of cognac belongs to raisin grapes, which gives it such a rich bouquet.
A brief history of the plant
The year of foundation of the Kizlyar cognac factory is considered to be 1885, when the industrialist David Sarajev combined small private and artisanal distilleries into a single factory and began production of cognacs. New cognacs were appreciated by lovers of spirits. First of all, this was due to the fact that the basis of their production was the knowledge and experience gained by Sarajev in France. The experience of local winemakers who made grape vodka called “Kizlyarka” was also used.
The aging of cognac spirits in barrels made of Caucasian oak gave the drink a unique unique bouquet of aroma that cannot be confused with any other. Soon the taste of Kizlyar cognac was appreciated at numerous foreign exhibitions.
Currently, in the history of the Kizlyar Cognac Factory, one of the leading roles is played by the company's management. A competent and thoughtful internal and foreign policy of the company allows it to increase its production and enter a new level of the world market.
Brandy Reviews
Numerous reviews about Lezginka brandy indicate that this drink is very popular and is rated quite high.
- The aroma feels a predominance of tart woody notes, and the taste has a hint of vanilla and caramel, which soften the strength of the drink. The sweetish taste of this brandy may appeal to women.
- Cognac "Lezginka" can be used to prepare various cocktails, its pleasant taste will go well with other ingredients.
- The softness of Lezginka is another plus of this drink.
- A good addition to the pleasant taste and aroma of the drink is its low cost. Only 800 rubles per bottle of 0.5 liter of cognac six years old.
- If we compare the Kizlyar cognac "Lezginka", produced in the USSR and in our time, we can note several differences. So, for example, modern tastes good, has a nice sweetish aroma. However, this is not the cognac that was produced before; it has become harsh and the flower bouquet of the drink is not so pronounced. This is most likely due to the acceleration of production technology, which slightly reduces the quality. But in general, it can be noted that this cognac is of very good quality, especially for such a low price.
This fine drink is appreciated by both ordinary lovers and famous cognac producers. At numerous exhibitions, he received the highest award. In order to feel the fullness of the taste and aroma of this drink, just try it, after which you will become a fan of it, and cognac itself will become your permanent companion at the celebration of various events.