Cognac is a variety of brandy named after the commune of Cognac, France. It is produced in the surrounding wine-growing region in the departments of Charente and Charente-Maritime.

What exactly is cognac?

Cognac is a specific type of brandy produced from distilled white wine. It must be distilled twice, using copper pot stills, and aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of two years. ... It cannot begin until after the grape harvest and the wine production which ensues.

Why is it called cognac?

So that, in a nutshell, is why Cognac is called Cognac. It takes its name from the epicenter of the region in France from where it's produced. ... This all stems from the current trend to age Cognacs in barrels other than the ones allowed, as well as perhaps making brandies from different varieties of grape.