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BRANDY.
Brandy is a spirit obtained by the distillation of
wine. The name signifies in its origin " burnt "
wine. All Brandies are, or should be, grape spirits,
and undoubtedly the finest Brandies procurable
are those of Cognac.
Cognac is the name of a small town on the River
Charente, in the south of France, and the only
Brandy entitled to the name of Cognac is that
distilled from the wines grown within a limited
district known as the " Region Delimitee." This
region comprises the two Charentes, a small area
of Deux-Sevres, and of Dordogne. The two
Charentes are divided into five districts, namely
Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies,
Fins Bois, and Bois Eloignes.
Some good Brandy known as Armagnac is also
made in the Departement of Gers.
A special kind of vine is grown in the " Region
Delimitee," producing a light white wine which
lends itself for distillation into Brandy of far
greater delicacy than that produced in regions where
the wine is fuller-bodied.
All Brandies when fresh from the still are clear,
colourless liquids. After remaining for some years
in special oak casks, however, they gradually
develop a pale amber tint which is acquired from
the wood.
Brown Brandies owe their colour to the addition
of burnt sugar.
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