A drink of true connoisseurs of the fortress, floral tones and endurance truly makes you admire yourself. It’s even hard to imagine that a delicious nectar in the form of cognac can be obtained from a regular vineyard. For the first time, the likeness of this noble drink was born in the Middle Ages in France, in the city of Cognac. Later, a wine distillate product was called in honor of this locality. The final brandy, which today pleases with its originality and qualities, began to be produced in the 17-18th centuries. An alcoholic drink is classified according to aging in oak barrels: the longer it is stored, the more noble and tasteful it is, its “growing up,” so to speak. If you choose something between price and sophistication, then experts recommend products with the VSOP marking. This brandy is high-quality and mature, mostly light. By the way, the abbreviation itself literally stands for "Very Excellent Old Pale."
The savvy inhabitants of the homeland of this drink of the gods have perfected the Scandinavian technology of distilling their wine into grape vodka. And its exposure in oak barrels gives the finished product special taste and characteristics.
Today, cognac can be called only that wine distillate that was produced in France, namely in Poitou-Charentes, in the province of Cognac. Only it is considered real, in other countries they produce grape brandy.
As for the cognac labeling VSOP, it is a kind of standard, so it is not surprising that this is the drink that pays special attention to cognac affairs of the master.
History of branding VSOP cognac
So there were circumstances and time that cognac was destined to be born precisely in France - the birthplace of the most refined and enchanting white wine. Specialists cannot exactly tell the date of the appearance of the VSOP marking. Cognac of this category allegedly managed to get at the turn of the 16th century. in the province of Cognac. In those days, local wine producers exceeded the plan for the production of a white wine drink, which was supplied to Scandinavia and to Misty Albion, by 200% . But when transporting the latter in oak barrels at temperature extremes, it spoiled. Therefore, it was decided to distill the wine into alcohol. Thus, it meant "painless" transportation to destination countries. Then it was supposed to dilute it with water, getting white wine at the exit. As a result, the dilution venture failed certification. But the inhabitants of the northern European countries fell in love with grape spirit aged in oak barrels for several months.
Over time, winemakers determined that with a longer exposure (namely in oak containers), the wine distillate acquires floral notes, and its taste and aroma are enriched. After years of testing and testing, the drink acquired unique qualities (provided that the exposure time was at least 5 years). Although the meticulous French always go too far with storage, working on the principle of "the longer it lies, the tastier and richer." Therefore, it is incorrect to believe that VSOP cognacs have a certain exposure - and that’s the point. In France, many manufacturers decided to do blending. The bouquet may include several varieties of different aging periods, and the most mature sometimes reach 25-30 years.
Brand Manufacturers VSOP
France is famous for its cognacs all over the world. Only here they show special respect for this noble drink and pay tribute to the traditions and secrets that are passed down from generation to generation.
The homeland of this nectar boasts a huge list of its producers, among which the following cognac houses stand out:
- "Remy Martin";
- Hannessy
- Camus;
- "Gauthier";
- "Prince Hubert de Polignac";
- Otard
- Courvoisier
- Hine;
- Hardy
- Frapen
- "Martel" and many others. other
Time does not spare anyone, therefore, many elite cognac houses could not survive a certain kind of crisis. But even those that today are heard by every self-respecting expert or amateur, are able to delight their fans with truly magical and extravagant masterpieces. Among these can be identified cognac "Remy Martin VSOP", which has a certain charming charisma and unearthly taste.
Some features of the production of cognacs VSOP
In order for cognac of the VSOP category to please connoisseurs with its rich and rich flavor notes, and its amber color played in the sun overflow, it is necessary to observe a certain production technology.
First of all, it should be made only from white grapes: Uni Blanc; Folle Blanche; Colombard.
And if the above varieties are not used for making delicious white wine for sale (due to the high acidity content), then they are ideal for cognacs! This wine also contains a low percentage of alcohol, which is why it is great for double distillation, which is why the drink - the same product of the VSOP marking (cognac) - becomes so unique.
The meticulous French manufacturers are in awe of the smallest details and signs. Therefore, since ancient times, it has gone so that all the wine from which alcohol will be chased should be an autumn harvest. Alcohol can be driven until March 31 of next year, as from April 1, distillation of last year’s wine is strictly prohibited.
Tiring and lengthy manufacturing processes ultimately affect the final price of brandy category VSOP.
Exposure Conditions
An important condition and distinguishing feature of the alcohol we are considering is that the drink should be stored in oak barrels, the wood of which does not contain tannin. For these purposes, raw materials from the forests of the Limousin region are used. The minimum barrel aging time is 4.5 years. French masters sometimes neglect this rule, keeping their drink a little more - 5-7 years. Sometimes a blend is made by adding cognacs aged 8-25 years, which gives the product a special taste and originality. Naturally, this combination will not make XO cognac out of it. VSOP products will not be able to compete with him, this is understandable. But notes of elite cognac spirits will still appear.
Special distinguishing conditions for aging VSOP cognac is the increased humidity in the cellar, which contributes to a fantastic taste, aroma and amber color.
Storage and features of cognacs VSOP
Any drink requires special attention. VSOP brandy is stored in cellars, where humidity should be more than 80%. The most successful option is their location near rivers or lakes, where the greatest share of moisture.
Double distillation makes VSOP cognac too strong (over 70 degrees). Even storage in oak barrels for 5 years does not reduce the level to an acceptable level (usually the percentage of evaporation for 1 year is about 5.0).
To reduce the strength of alcohol, elite cognac houses ask their masters to add spring water before bottling. Simpler manufacturers use regular distilled.
Cognac aged in barrels for 5-6 years after bottling becomes a product of the VSOP category, thus turning into an elite drink.
But the most distinctive feature of VSOP cognacs is that it does not matter where and by whom they were produced - this category should be recognizable anywhere in the world. Therefore, for masters, the cooking process is a kind of masterpiece in which there is no room for miscalculations or oversights.
VSOP Cognac Expert Tips
In the world today there are a large number of connoisseurs and specialists in cognac. The opinions of experts regarding the choice of a particular brand vary due to personal knowledge and experience. But they are all unanimous that when buying a drink with the VSOP marking, the following points should be considered:
- Price category. Everyone knows that real cognac is made only in France, in the province of the same name. Other countries do not count. The average cost of VSOP cognac ranges from 30-100 US dollars. And it could not be cheaper!
- Color. Only real cognac of the VSOP category can have a delicate (in the absence of caramel) and dark (when blending cognac with a long exposure) amber shade.
- Brand The world famous cognac houses and their masterpiece drinks (for example, Courvoisier VSOP cognac ) do not need advertising.
- Lightness of aroma - a real “Frenchman” has an exquisite and delicate aroma of wildflowers and the absence of a pungent smell of alcohol. And the unique taste and a long pleasant aftertaste can dispel all doubts about the authenticity of the above drink.
The best VSOP cognacs from the most famous houses
In France, honored old traditions and secrets. Small cognac houses can boast of a drink made from their own raw materials (their own vineyards and their own alcohol) and "grown" by their masters. In this case, cognac can be considered the best, as a specialist makes it from his wine distillate.
Famous cognac houses, due to their enormous size, are forced to purchase raw materials from local winemakers. But from this the quality of the final product is no worse. Since every self-respecting house controls the production and storage of products.
Today, VSOP brand cognac, whose price is less than $ 30, cannot be called a quality product from the best cognac companies in France. Therefore, before buying, you should familiarize yourself with certain information so as not to purchase a fake.
Among the best cognacs VSOP distinguish:
- Hennessy
- "Remy Martin";
- Martel
- Courvoisier
- Otard.
Description and expert advice on brandy category VSOP "Remy Martin"
Included in the list of the best in France. Cognac house "Remy Martin" was founded in the middle of the 18th century. Its production capacity speaks for itself - second in the world in sales. Cognac "Remy Martin" (VSOP) combines quality, tradition and complete control over the course of the entire production.
Purchasing most of the raw materials from local residents, this "giant" does not allow to doubt its quality. Cognac VSOP has a rich, vibrant bouquet with the aroma of fresh violets and roses, complemented by notes of peaches and vanilla.
Experts advise you to pay attention to the color of the bottle (green, covered with "hoarfrost") and the price category (if the buyer is a real cognac "Remy Martin VSOP", its price should be at least $ 70). The color is mostly bright amber.
This drink is good in combination with seafood (Chinese cuisine in high esteem), cheese and a cigar.
Served at a temperature of 20 degrees. It is recommended to use in its pure form.
Description and expert advice on cognac products labeled VSOP: Otard
In the history of France there is a place for beautiful legends telling about the emergence of a particular drink. So, thanks to Baron Otard at the end of the 18th century. Otard VSOP cognac was born with an aging of at least 4 years. Today, the concern is a cognac giant of the country, producing one of the best drinks of the above category. The aging period of this type of cognac is at least 5 years.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the following:
- price (not less than 30 dollars);
- beautiful iridescent amber shade;
- the original style of the bottle in the form of a falling droplet;
- red cardboard packaging with the logo.
Ripening in the huge cellars of the castle of Baron Otard, cognac is blended with age drinks (10-12 years) and is "saturated" with the old traditions of the past, turning into an exquisite nectar for aristocrats.
The bouquet is complex, with aromas of oak, wildflowers and walnuts.
Recommended for cheeses and chocolate.
Description and expert advice on brandies with VSOP marking: "Hennessy"
It is the leader in the country for the production of cognac. It has been producing delicious VSOP products since the mid 18th century. Thanks to the presence of such a master of cognac craft as Jean Fileau, this drink has a truly royal quality. The Hennessy house has its own vineyard plantations. Under the strict guidance of Filyo, masterpieces of this category are produced.
Present
Hennessy VSOP cognac must have the following features:
- Color: bright saturated amber.
- Original colorless container and black packaging with a bottle of cognac.
- Price: at least $ 70.
Tasting this brandy is a pleasure. It is irreplaceable and ideal in a narrow company of friends.
A complex bouquet with shades of flowers and leather, wild berries, nuts and fresh fruits. A long and pleasant vanilla finish.
Description and expert advice on brandy VSOP Courvoisier
The history of the cognac house begins in the 19th century. Thanks to the French aristocrat Emmanuel Courvoisier, the beginning of the production of wines, and then cognacs. Currently, true connoisseurs of this wonderful drink can enjoy a real work of wine art.
Today Courvoisier distillery is among the top 4 largest manufacturers of cognac in France. Specialists at home have long worked on creating a masterpiece. As a result, they got a magnificent cognac "Courvoisier VSOP", whose price today is at least 75 dollars.
When buying, you should pay attention to the shape of the bottle (it should be stretched out in the neck), the color of the drink (dark amber with a mahogany overflow) and the label (on a blue background the name of the house in golden letters).
Local winemakers use the old secrets of producing this kind of alcohol. So, according to tradition, honey and vanilla are added to the barrel with cognac, then it is blended with mature drinks (age 12-15 years), which gives the finished product a divine taste, aroma and a dark red hue.
As soon as you open the cork, first of all you will feel the aroma of freshly chopped oak and fruit, turning into vanilla and toasted nut.
Cognac prices VSOP
Perfection has its value! Experts and specialists say that quality is not measured by price, real cognac simply attracts the buyer to itself. Thanks to the "well-wishers" who began to copy the technology of manufacturing original products, France had to patent the right to produce cognac.
Honoring traditions, using the secrets of production, the perfect work of cognac craftsmen allow the French to release only the best. Of course, the final cost of such masterpieces cannot be low.
Therefore, VSOP cognac, whose price today is less than $ 30 per bottle, is not worth even the slightest attention from the buyer. The acceptable cost of production is 30-100 dollars. And this is subject to all requirements on the fact of identifying their authenticity and the exclusion of fakes.
Therefore, cognac "Remy Martin VSOP", whose price today is about $ 70 per bottle of 0.7 liter, can be safely considered French. And get true pleasure from his tasting.
Reviews
In the world there are a lot of connoisseurs of this unique drink. Among them are those who love VSOP cognac. Reviews about it leave both fans and ill-wishers. The first admire its perfection and taste. The second is criticized for too high a price and the lack of difference from the local brandy.
Arguing on the subject of price and quality, it should be noted: in order to allow yourself loud statements and epithets, you must be a specialist in this field. If the words are based only on personal assessments, not confirmed by knowledge and qualifications, then all comments on such an alcoholic drink as VSOP cognac can not be taken seriously.
Many true connoisseurs believe that it is impossible not to love him. It’s just that man has not yet grown to such “divine” nectar.
Today, bottles labeled "Cognac" can be seen on store shelves anywhere in the world, and almost always it will be a genuine drink made in France (the exception is the CIS countries, where copyright laws do not apply).