Visit the great Cognac producers in the Charente department of France and discover the secrets of what makes a great Cognac.
The Cognac industry in France is similar in many ways to Whisky in Scotland, both are strong drinks which vary greatly in taste and quality with age playing a major part and you have to pay a hefty price for a really good one.
There is a major difference in that Cognac is produced from grapes which are grown uniquely in the Cognac region. However the maturing process in oak casks which are often stored in ancient cellars is similar as is the subsequent blending. Just like Whisky many popular Cognacs are blended but there are some which are not and certain of these are among the kings of drinks.
Cognac is exported from France throughout the world and is generally drunk after a meal as a "digestive". You can tell the quality of the drink by the grading system which is very strictly controlled.
A visit to the town of Cognac and a producer is one of the major attractions of the Charente. As you enter the town you pass beautiful lines of vineyards which streak across the countryside, then in Cognac itself you will notice a peculiar black covering on many of the buildings. This is a consequence of the evaporation process known as "the angels share" which settles on the town and feeds a fungus.
You can choose from a number of big name distilleries to visit such a Hennessey, Martel and Remy Martin, household names which spread the fame of the Charente and France around the world.
You could stay in our hand picked charente villa holiday property for reliable, trustworthy accommodation whilst you visit the Cognac area and you might like to try the local Pinaud whilst your at it.