1936 Shaking in the 60's by Eddie Clarke

About Brandy There must be noconfusion,the onlyCognacin the world comes from France. Between the Loire and the Gironde Rivers as they approach the ocean, lies the department of Charente and only wines made and distilled in a limited area are entitled to be called Cognac, according to the French laws governing usage ofthe word. French legislature has assured that consumers ofCognac have the advantage of exceptional guarantees, apart from the clearly defined area ofproduction.The vine plants to be used, processes of vinification and distillation are clearly outlined and there is also a very strict control ofthe ageing of the spirit of different years by the excise authorities. This enables them,when called upon,to issue with certainty an age certificate for the maturing contents ofany cask. Ageing in cask is an essential element, considerable stocks being built up from good years in preparation for the day when blendings ofspirits ofdifferent agesand character istics are made. France then offers a product that has no equal and quite rightly,one ofwhich she is so proud. The six districts of Charente comprising the Cognac area,in order ofmerit, are:—

Grande Champagne Petite Champagne

Borderies Fine Bois Bois Ordinaires Bois a Terroir

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