The Grande Champagne area is where Premier Cru Cognac is made
Cognac is a brandy mostly made in Charente (and Charente-Maritime). It falls under the « Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée », a French designation that means « controlled designation of origin ». The cognac production is divided into 6 areas called « crus »:
– La Grande Champagne
– La Petite Champagne
– Les Borderies
– Les Fins Bois
– Les Bons Bois
– Les Bois Ordinaires
The Grande Champagne, first cru of the cognac production, covers approximately 13,200 hectares, which represents 18% of the total surface of the Cognac vineyard.
This exceptional land is composed of clay-limestone soil. It’s a soft and chalky clay soil dating back to the cretaceous period. It provides a resistance to drought thanks to the porous underground that helps to hold water.
Cognacs made in Grande Champagne are aromatic, fine, fruity and also have a strong taste.
These Cognacs are perfect for ageing in oak barrels in order to improve year by year.
The Cognac aroma wheel
This wheel was designed by the Bureau National du Cognac by master sommeliers, master wine growers, wine specialists and specialised journalists.
The chart helps during sampling, to identify the 63 aromas and the complexity of its flavours, which alter according to the seasons.
This will help you to discover the incredible variety of tastes and sense brought to you by Cognacs.