Cognac

A spirit produced in the Cognac area by blending wine spirits aged in oak casks. Cognac is protected by an AOC. It focused on exports right from the beginning of its history, and is now exported at 98%. Its leading markets are the US, China and Duty Free.

Sales in 2017: 15.4 million 9-litre cases (source: IWSR)
Main markets: USA, China, Duty Free
Raw materials: grapes
Type of distillation: in pot stills
Ageing: in oak casks