Armagnac vs Cognac
What is the difference between Cognac and Armagnac?
“I have always preferred Armagnac to Cognac! How many times have I heard my customers declare their love for Armagnac by comparing it with our big brother from the Charentes.
For me, it is impossible to distinguish between these two French AOC spirits because they are both very similar and very different.
Let’s start with their similarities: These French eaux de vie are made from white wines, acidic and low in alcohol, difficult to drink as they are, but perfectly adapted to the other common point, distillation. Also, the maturation is done in French oak barrels for many years.
But having said that, the subtlety of each lies in the detail.
“I have always preferred Armagnac to Cognac! How many times have I heard my customers declare their love for Armagnac by comparing it with our big brother from the Charentes.
For me, it is impossible to distinguish between these two French AOC spirits because they are both very similar and very different.
Let’s start with their similarities: These French eaux de vie are made from white wines, acidic and low in alcohol, difficult to drink as they are, but perfectly adapted to the other common point, distillation. Also, the maturation is done in French oak barrels for many years.
But having said that, the subtlety of each lies in the detail.
Let’s start with their similarities: These French eaux de vie are made from white wines, acidic and low in alcohol, difficult to drink as they are, but perfectly adapted to the other common point, distillation. Also, the maturation is done in French oak barrels for many years.
But having said that, the subtlety of each lies in the detail.
Cognac will be made from a single grape variety (ugni blanc) whereas Armagnac will offer several nuances and subtleties (baco, folle blanche, ugni blanc, colombard, plant de graisse).
Double distillation in Charentes will produce elegant and fine spirits, while continuous distillation in short column stills used in Gascony will preserve the more rustic character of each grape variety, distilling at lower degrees.
Maturing is also subtly different. While Cognac favours the sessile oak or oak tree, which will confirm the fineness of the tannins that are conducive to the natural style of the eau de vie, Armagnac will choose its trees in Gascony by selecting the best of the pedunculate oaks, which have more pronounced tannins and will require longer ageing times.
Finally, Armagnac has remained a family business with many producers and merchants on a human scale, whereas Cognac is carried by large brands and luxury groups that have a very international vision, which Armagnac often envies. It is often said that Armagnac is to Cognac what Mezcal is to Tequila.
In conclusion, France is fortunate to have two fine jewels of wine-making know-how, so copied and envied throughout the world. Impossible to choose between them…
Marc Darroze
Discover The range of Armagnacs Darroze
