Cognac

If you’re looking for a bottle of premium spirits, you’ve come to the right place! On this page, discover a selection of exceptional cognacs, true embodiments of French tradition and craftsmanship. Let yourself be captivated by this brandy produced in France, in the region around the town of Cognac, recognised as one of the most refined spirits in the world. A testament to its exceptional quality, its production is closely linked to the evolution of distillation. Indeed, the history of this wine brandy began with the advent of distillation. The Dutch introduced this technique in the early 16th century to transform Charente wine into ‘burnt wine’, which was stored in various ports and diluted with water before drinking. In the 17th century, double distillation was introduced, enabling the quality of Charente wine to be preserved during transport. Subsequently, during long periods of storage, distillers discovered that this wine brandy improves with age thanks to ageing in oak casks. It can even be enjoyed neat!

Cognac is produced following a lengthy manufacturing process comprising various stages, from vine cultivation to bottling. This spirit is made from wines derived from white grapes. Although various grape varieties such as Folle Blanche, Colombard and Sémillon may be used, Ugni Blanc is the variety most commonly used in the production of cognac.

The combination of these late-ripening grape varieties with a temperate oceanic climate enables the production of fine, acidic wines, which are essential for creating exceptional Cognac eaux-de-vie. Indeed, the high acidity naturally preserves the wine until distillation, avoiding the need to add sulphites. The wine’s low alcohol content contributes to a high concentration of aromas.

What is cognac? Like cognac, Armagnac is a white wine-based spirit originating from south-western France. However, there are certain differences between them, notably the grape varieties used. Whilst cognac is mainly produced from Ugni Blanc, Armagnac is generally the result of a blend of this variety with Baco Blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard. Distillation is another key difference. Cognac is distilled twice in pot stills, whereas Armagnac undergoes a single distillation in column stills.

Cognac is renowned for its finesse and rich bouquet. To enjoy it to the full and have an unforgettable tasting experience, choose a brandy that perfectly suits your tastes. You’re in luck! At Vinatis, you’ll discover cognacs with a variety of flavour profiles, catering to all palates, from novices to the most experienced connoisseurs.

The Cognac region is divided into different crus, each imparting specific flavours to the cognac depending on the nature of the soil and subsoil.

If you’re new to cognac, a light, fruity eau-de-vie is ideal for your first taste. In that case, choose a bottle from the Fins Bois or Bons Bois crus. If you’re a fan of floral and fruity eaux-de-vie, set your sights on a bottle of cognac from the Borderies.

For those seeking greater finesse and supple aromas, treat yourself to a bottle of Petite Champagne cognac.

Fancy treating yourself to something truly exceptional? Opt for a cognac from the Grande Champagne cru. This terroir produces cognacs of unrivalled elegance, with a particularly complex aromatic bouquet that is refined and long on the palate.

Blended from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie, Fine Champagne offers a rich and balanced aromatic profile, a velvety texture and remarkable length on the palate. Ideal for those seeking an elegant and refined spirit!

Various factors can be taken into account when selecting a brandy whose flavour suits your palate. This includes the age of the cognac, which corresponds to that of the youngest brandy in the blend. It is worth noting that cognac is generally produced by blending eaux-de-vie of different ages and from different crus. Furthermore, unlike wine, this spirit does not continue to develop in the bottle, thus retaining the age it had at the time of bottling for the rest of its life.

Do you enjoy the fruity aromas and liveliness of a young eau-de-vie? Choose a VS or Very Special cognac, made from eaux-de-vie aged for at least two years. This type of cognac is ideal for those new to the spirit.

Fancy something a little smoother? A VSOP or Very Superior Old Pale cognac is the obvious choice. This cognac, in which the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend is aged for at least four years, is characterised by woody notes.

If you’re looking for a richer, more complex and refined spirit, choose a bottle of XO or Extra Old cognac, in which the youngest component is aged for at least ten years. This spirit offers indulgent notes of chocolate, warm spices, caramel, dried fruit and nuts. At Vinatis, our selection offers cognacs to suit every palate, with a range of age classifications.

The alcohol content can also influence the sensory experience when tasting a cognac. To be sold, this drink must have an alcohol content of at least 40°. However, some cognacs have an alcohol content of up to 45°, or even higher.

Fancy sampling the very best cognacs? The experts at Vinatis have selected a range of spirits for you, carefully crafted by some of Cognac’s most renowned producers. Whether you’re looking for a classic cognac or a prestigious spirit, whether it’s to stock your minibar or as a gift for a cognac lover, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

For over two centuries, the Hennessy Cognac House has been renowned worldwide for its premium cognacs. This brand, part of the LVMH luxury group, was responsible for creating the first XO cognac, developed by Maurice Hennessy in 1870. Using grapes from the finest crus of the Cognac AOC, Maison Hennessy offers cognacs that are well known to connoisseurs of this spirit, such as Hennessy Very Special, Hennessy Very Special Gold and Hennessy XO.

Are you a collector of luxury spirits? Are you looking for a top-of-the-range cognac to impress your guests on special occasions? Rémy Martin will be able to fulfil all your desires. A leading name in luxury cognacs, it produces some of the world’s most prestigious cognacs, crafted from its vast collection of over 1,000 eaux-de-vie aged between 40 and 100 years. This house is particularly famous for its Rémy XIII cognac.

As one of the oldest Cognac houses, Martell draws on unique expertise spanning several centuries, passed down from generation to generation, to create cognacs of the highest quality. Immerse yourself in the world of luxury and refinement embodied by this brand through its flagship products, such as Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac and Martell XO Cognac.

Looking for a gift that really stands out to delight a cognac connoisseur? There’s nothing quite like a prestigious cognac to show your affection. Take a look at our selection today to discover bottles that impress not only with the quality of the drink but also with the beauty of their presentation.

Treat someone to a unique sensory experience by choosing Hennessy XO cognac, which promises a veritable explosion of flavours with every sip. This spirit is blended from around a hundred eaux-de-vie sourced from the finest crus of the Cognac AOC, some of which are aged for nearly 30 years. Of exceptional quality, this cognac – enhanced by its seductively curved bottle – offers remarkable aromatic complexity.

A true ambassador for the French art of living, Rémy Martin Louis XIII cognac is a liquid treasure that will delight collectors and connoisseurs of this spirit. Featuring a unique blend of over 1,200 eaux-de-vie, this prestigious cognac is presented in a Baccarat crystal decanter—a true work of art in its own right—set in an elegant gift box. Treat someone to a unique sensory experience by choosing Hennessy XO cognac, which promises a veritable explosion of flavours with every sip. This spirit is composed of around a hundred eaux-de-vie sourced from the finest crus of the Cognac AOC, some of which are aged for nearly 30 years. Of exceptional quality, this cognac – enhanced by its seductively curved bottle – develops a remarkable aromatic complexity.

Discover – or introduce others to – the very essence of the Martell style with this exceptionally elegant and refined cognac. L’Or de Jean Martell cognac is created by blending over 700 rare eaux-de-vie from the Grande Champagne and Borderies regions.

Cognac can be enjoyed in various ways – neat, in a tulip glass, or in a cocktail – and is also a welcome addition to the table, pairing beautifully with a wide range of dishes.

Fancy trying your hand at cognac pairing? Choose your bottle of spirits carefully, taking into account the time of day and the dishes you’ll be enjoying. From aperitifs to desserts, this brandy pairs beautifully with dishes that have a distinct flavour and character. For a successful pairing, the cognac must not overpower the aromas and flavour of the dish. Instead, it should enhance the dish, and vice versa. To guide you in your choice, Vinatis has set up a filter system featuring the ‘Food and Wine Pairings’ section: Aperitif, Digestif, Foie Gras, Starter, Chocolate Dessert or Fruit Dessert. Simply tick the box that suits you, and we’ll suggest cognacs tailored to your needs.

Here are a few pairings to bear in mind for a successful tasting experience:

• A VS cognac with a starter of smoked herring or matured hams
• An XO cognac with pigeon à l’orange or roasted langoustines
• A VSOP cognac with an ‘extra-aged’ local Mimolette or a long-aged Parmesan
• An XO cognac with a dark chocolate dessert or red berry tartlets

Served as an aperitif or digestif, cognac is traditionally enjoyed neat or on the rocks. However, this spirit is also used in various cocktails mixed with tonic or ginger ale: the French Connection, Alexandra, Italian Sidecar, Parisian Sour, Cognac Sangria, etc. If you’re a fan of mixology, opt for a light, fruity cognac such as a VS or VSOP when making your cocktails. For a neat tasting, on the other hand, choose an older, richer cognac such as an XO. This method of tasting allows you to fully savour the complex and elegant aromas of this spirit.

When choosing a bottle of cognac, your budget is an important factor to bear in mind. The price of this spirit depends on several factors, including the vintage and the reputation of the cognac house. Age is also a key factor in determining the price of a cognac. Generally more affordable than other types of cognac, VS cognacs cost on average between £20 and £50. VSOPs are often priced at around £50. Having undergone a longer ageing process and offering more complex and rich aromas, XOs are much more expensive, costing several hundred euros, or even several thousand euros.

At Vinatis, we offer a particularly diverse selection of cognacs. Whether as a gift for someone else or a treat for yourself, from timeless classics to the most prestigious cognacs, these spirits are available at the best prices online. Even better, a range of great deals (special offers, clearance sales, etc.) are available all year round, allowing you to buy your bottles of cognac without breaking the bank. So don’t wait any longer to place your order!