Highlights
1. Cognac and Armagnac are different brandies that come from different regions in France with different soils and climates.
2. Cognac is made from Ugni Blanc grapes, while Armagnac is made from Armagnac grapes.
3. Cognac is double distilled and aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels, while Armagnac is distilled once and also aged in oak barrels.
Introduction
When it comes to French alcohol beverages, Cognac is a popular brandy that originates in the cognac region of Northeastern France. Another related brandy called Armagnac is loved by tourists and French people. Both brandies have similar characteristics but differ in terms of the soils and climates where they are produced.
Cognac
Cognac is a famous brandy and also a wine producing region in France. To be labeled cognac, the brandy must be produced with a specific grape variety called Ugni Blanc, also known as Saint Emilion, in this region. It is double distilled in copper pots and aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels. Cognac matures and is popular worldwide.
The winemaking process involves fermenting the grape juice with yeast for 15-20 days to convert sugar into alcohol. The brandy is then distilled to increase alcohol content and left to age in oak barrels.
Armagnac
Armagnac is a brandy from the Armagnac region in southern France. It is made from Armagnac grapes and distilled once in column stills before aging in oak barrels. Armagnac is older than Cognac but is relatively lesser known outside of France. It is believed to be the oldest spirit in Europe.
Difference between Cognac and Armagnac
– Cognac and Armagnac are different brandies originating from areas just 200km apart with different soils and climates.
– Cognac is made from a different grape variety and is double distilled, while Armagnac is distilled only once.
– Cognac is more popular globally, while Armagnac is not as well-known outside of France.
– Cognac has a softer flavor due to its double distillation process.
– The Armagnac region is warm and sandy, while the Cognac region is cooler with chalky soil.
