CELEBRATE THE DIVERSITY OF COGNAC ON
NATIONAL COGNAC DAY, 4TH JUNE 2023
All Cognac lovers around the world are invited to raise their glass on the 4th June for National Cognac Day. For the connoisseurs, it’s an occasion to sip their favorite drink; for the novice, it’s the perfect time to discover this iconic and versatile spirit – learn about the production, the Cognac region, and the difference between VS, VSOP and XO. While Cognac has heritage roots, this spirit continues to reinvent itself in the shaker.
On June 4th, discover the diversity of Cognac with the Summer Days cocktail. Savor it while preparing your next trip to the region that offers a thousand opportunities to explore an exceptional spirit and territory. Cognac is guaranteed to make you feel like you went through an unexpected and timeless interlude.
THE IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL COGNAC DAY
As an annual event, National Cognac Day is the occasion to share the different ways to taste and explore Cognac across the world. Alexandre Gabriel, BNIC’s vice-president says about the spirit “Cosmopolitan and a source of inspiration for those involved in urban culture, Cognac is a must-have spirit that finds its place on tables and bars around the world. Highly appreciated for the richness of its aromas and offering a wide range of prices, Cognac is rooted in a terroir and knows how to offer authenticity to the consumer, always in search of better consumption”. Whether you are a Cognac connoisseur or novice, this is the occasion to discover the charm and aromatic richness of this luxury French spirit in your own preferred format!
COGNAC: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Using mainly Ugni Blanc grapes, a low alcohol wine is produced that is double distilled in Charentais copper stills, resulting in a wine spirit. This is then aged for a minimum of two years in oak before being categorised as Cognac.
The Cognac appellation sits 75 miles north of Bordeaux, near the Atlantic on the West Coast of France. The Cognac region stretches 205,443 acres made up of mainly Ugni Blanc grapes with an additional Folle Blanche and Colombard scattered throughout. The region is the second largest wine producer in France and is home to 10% of France’s vineyards. With its hilly plains and its vineyard landscapes, it’s a great summer holiday destination to explore in real life the diversity of Cognac!
COGNAC IS CATEGORISED ACCORDING TO THE AGEING PROCESS – ‘DESIGNATIONS’
● VS – Youngest wine spirit is at least 2 years old
● VSOP – Youngest wine spirit is at least 4 years old
● XO – Youngest wine spirit is at least 10 years old
● XXO – Youngest wine spirit is at least 14 years old
EXPLORE NEW HORIZONS
Immerse yourself into the world of Cognac at your favourite cocktail bar to sip it as you like; neat or in a cocktail. The more youthful offerings such VS and VSOP are ideal for mixing in cocktails, including the Vieux Carré, French 75, Sidecar or Brandy Alexander. The older offerings such as the XO styles are perfect for tasting neat so the aromatic richness can truly be enjoyed. Plus, venture out and try to pair with food as each designation is versatile enough to pair with a wide range of cuisines. An exclusive cocktail has been created to celebrate the occasion and the start of summer and longer days:
SUMMER DAYS
Cognac VSOP — 30ml
Elderflower syrup — 15ml
Lemon juice — 20 ml
Red fruit tea — 50 ml
Ice cubes — 4~5 cubes
1 | Pour in the Cognac, elderflower syrup, strained lemon juice and tea in a highball over ice
2 | Mix from bottom to top with the mixing spoon
3 | Garnish with a slice of lemon and serve
Happy tasting and happy National Cognac Day: share your best moments with this French spirit using
#NationalCognacDay !
© Karl Steuck
ABOUT THE BNIC
The BNIC, or Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac, represents, develops and preserves the Cognac AOC (Appellation d’origine contrôlée), both in France and abroad.
In the 150+ countries where Cognac is sold, this Geographical Indication provides consumers with a guarantee that they are buying an outstanding wine spirit. Comprising an equal number of members from the winegrowing and commercial sides of the industry, the BNIC is a coordination and decision-making body which brings together almost 4,300 winegrowers and grower-distillers, 120 professional distillers, and 265 merchants operating within the appellation.
The BNIC defends the interests of Cognac producers and consumers, with an unwavering commitment to everyone with an interest in this appellation.
