Distillation from wine

Wine Distilled Liquorsfour years; V.V.S.O.P and Grande Reserve are
Distillation is the centuries-old process used to(cognacs matured for at least five years; Extra,
produce alcohol. Heat is used to separate theNapoleon, X.O., Tres eux, and Vieille Reserve are
components of a liquid, or mash, and asstored for six to 10 years in oak barrels.
vaporization takes place the vapors are cooled soCrappa
they condense into neutral spirits with little color,This clear, Italian spirit, about 80 proof, is distilled
aroma, or flavor.from the remains Of the grapes used in wine
The distiller then blends this neutral spirit withproduction, the stems, skins, and pits. Crappa
other alcohol or flavorings and may or may notmade from white wine is dry and fiery, while that
leave it to mature, or age, until the desired flavorfrom red wine has a powerful flavor. Although
and aroma is achieved before bottling. Brandy andgrappa is best known as an Italian spirit, versions
clear, colorless grappa are two examples of spiritsof it are made in other countries, such as marc in
distilled from wine, which you will find in mostFrance.
standard bar stocks. The following are theMarc
best-known distillations from wine produced inThis French pomace spirit is distilled from the
countries around the world.press residue resulting Irom wine production.
ArmagnacDepending on the variety, it either tastes
Armagnac is a pale golden, fiery, dry-tastingpowerful and full flavored (marc de bourgogne) or
French brandy. Under French law, only whitelight, dry, and very soft (marc de champagne).
grapes from the Haut-Armagnac, Tenareze, andThe alcohol content is between 80 and 90 proof.
Bas-Armagnac regions of Gascony, in southwestThere is a flavor difference between marc made
France, may be distilled for Armagnac. Thefrom red-wine and white-wine residues. A small
distillation takes place after the grape harvest,glass of marc, served neat, is aperfect digestive.
which occurs between October and April. UnlikeMetaxa
cognac, its younger cousin, Armagnac hasThe best-known Creek spirit, metaxa is distilled
traditionally been made with only one distillation,from black grapes. The alcohol content is about
but a recent change in legislation means double80 proof. Stars on the label tell you how long the
distillation is now allowed, speeding up theliquor was aged. Three stars means three years;
maturation process, which takes place in oakfive stars, five years; and seven stars, seven
barrels.years. Bottles labeled as Private Reserve have
Three stars on the label mean it has had at leastbeen matured for at least 20 years, and have the
two years' maturation; V.S.O.R, at least fivesmoothest flavor.
years; Napoleon and X.O., at least six years; andPisco
Hors d'Age at least 10 years in the barrel. AThis very tangy, colorless brandy is the national
vintage year on the label indicates the year of thedrink of Chile, and is the main ingredient in the
harvest. A vintage Armagnac is never blended.refreshing cocktail Pisco Sour. Produced from
Brandyblack grapes with a high proportion of muscatel
First discovered in the middle of the thirteenthgrapes, it is matured in clay casks.
century in France as an attempt to produce aWeinbrand
medicinal drink, brandy is now made around theThis German grape brandy, whose name
world wherever grapes are grown. After twotranslates as "burned wine," is distilled using some
distillations, the clear, colorless alcohol is given itswines from neighboring countries, but legislation
distinctive nutty brown color and flavor by aging inrequires up to 85 percent of the final product to
wood, often oak, barrels. The longer a brandybe German. It must then be matured for six
ages, the more refined its flavor is judged to be.months in oak casks holding a maximum of 1,000
In the United States.liters (about 2,600 gallons) each. Old weinbrand
Cognacmust be cellared for a minimum of 12 months.
Prehaps the best-known brandy in the world,If it is then at least 76 proof, it will receive an
cognac comes from a uprcific area in westernofficial reference number and can be sold. Like
France centered around the town of Cognac Hicognac, weinbrand is double distilled. Weinbrand
ihe Charente region. To be labeled as "cognac,"should be served no warmer than room
French legislation n|ircifies the brandy can only betemperature, and is best served in a brandy
made from specific white grapes winch are grownsnifter. If it is a little on the cool side, however, it
and later distilled within a strictly defineddoes not matter because it will quickly attain the
fid'graphical area.correct temperature through heat transferred
Cognac production is governed by old traditions asfrom the hands.
well as the laws, so all the brandy is distilled atCheck out more of the same content as well as
least twice and then matured in oak barrels for atthe best bar equipment click on the links below
least two years, during which time it develops itsBarstool - We have information on the best bar
rich, brown color. The end result is 80 proof.stool for each and every bar style.
Information mi ihe label, also governed by law,Bar supply - Bar supplies & bar equipment online.
explains the maturity of the cognac.Your entire bar supplies, beer supplies, & wine
Three stars or VS. means the cognac has beensupplies online.
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