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It is not easy for an inexperienced consumer to understand the assortment of skates presented in stores. At first glance, all the bottles seem the same, and the inscriptions on them are perplexing.
It is unlikely that you will be able to taste a drink in a store, so you should know by what criteria to determine an alcoholic product of decent quality.
Countries producing good cognac
This cognac is made necessarily in the south-west of France in the department of Charente. A prerequisite is strict adherence to technology. The quality of French cognacs is strictly regulated by the state.
Manufacturers such as Delamain (Delamen), Rémy Martin (Remy Martin), Hennessy (Hennesy), Augie (Ougi), Courvoisier (Courvoisier), Bisquit (Biscuit), Martell (Martell), Camus (Camus) have a long history and well-deserved reputation .
All other alcoholic beverages made using cognac technology are recognized as fortified brandy by the international standard.
However, many Armenian, Georgian, Russian, Moldovan and Ukrainian drinks are distinguished by experts in a separate group.
Although from a legal point of view they cannot be called cognac on the international market (only the French have this right), but the taste and quality of drinks are recognized by experts as very good. The main thing is to buy cognac in trusted stores and not run into a fake.
What is in real cognac
To make cognac, you can use only certain grape varieties: Colombard, Jurançon blanc, von blanche, semillon, mesli saint-francois, ugni blanc. The berries are harvested at the end of October, the juice is extracted from them and then fermented for three weeks.
The next stage is a two-stage distillation in a special apparatus. According to French standards, it is carried out exclusively in the period from November 15 to March 31.
The result is a drink with a strength of 40%. But to obtain a unique taste, it is necessary to age the cognac in barrels of Trondsay or Limousin oak from 270 to 450 liters. The minimum term is 30 months. Marking is assigned depending on the exposure time.
French cognac contains nothing but distillate. In other countries, there may be drinks with caramel additives, oak shavings tincture, etc., however, the content of additives in the finished product should not exceed 4%.
Can cognac “on sale” be good
Offers of chain stores to purchase goods at a reduced cost in a limited time are not always an attempt to “push” a low-quality product. Large supermarkets value their reputation and will not offer damaged goods to consumers.
Usually, discounts are initiated by suppliers to increase revenue, or by stores to attract new customers or to free up shelves for new products.
Usually the least popular products are sold out, however, on the eve of the holidays, valuable items also fall into the action. Also, the store can acquaint customers with a new product in this way.
When buying alcohol in large chain stores, you should not be afraid that the stock product will turn out to be a fake. By law, the seller is required to have a quality certificate. Pay attention to the label and packaging – if everything is in order with them, you can safely put the product in the basket.
The best varieties of cognac sold by chain stores
Roskachestvo experts annually compile ratings of cognacs available to the mass consumer. Among them, there are several brands whose quality deserves attention and which can be bought in ordinary stores:
- Hennesy (Hennesy) – 1500 r. for 0,5 liters;
- Courvoisier – 1300 rubles for 0,5 liters;
- Martell (Martel) – 1200 rubles. for 0,5 liters;
- Remy Martin – 1499 r for 0,5 liters;
- Bakhchisaray – 495 rubles. for 0,5 liters;
- Ararat Nairi – 3200 rubles for 0,5 liters.
Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to your health. Take care of yourself!
Today you can buy high-quality cognac not only in specialized, but also in chain stores. The range allows you to choose the option that will decorate your table. What cognac do you prefer? What do you pay attention to when choosing it?