Armagnac and cognac have many parallels:
- They are spirits or brandies from France and are therefore distilled from grapes.
- The grape varieties Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Folle Blanche are used for production
- They come from (different) protected areas in France
- They are stored in oak barrels
But what are the differences? You can find them listed in the table below:
| Armagnac | cognac | |
| grape varieties | Ugni Blanc and Baco, as well as Colombard and Folle Blanche | Ugni Blanc (98%), as well as Colombard and Folle Blanche |
| Additional permitted grape varieties | Plant de Graisse, Clairette de Gascogne, Jurançon Blanc, Meslier Saint François, Mauzac Blanc and Mauzac Rosé | Meslier-Saint-François, Jurançon Blanc, Montils, Sémillon, Select and Folignan |
| vineyard | Approx. 2,200ha of vineyards | 78,000ha of vineyards |
| distillation |
Continuous distillation in column stills, the so-called Alambic Armagnacais. However, pot stills are also allowed and are used by Delord, Janneau and Samalens, among others. |
Double distillation in pot stills, the so-called Alambic Charentais |
| Alcohol content after distillation | approx. 52% to 60% | about 70% |
|
firing with |
wood or gas |
|
|
Vintages vs Blends |
Production focuses on vintages. Most producers also carry blends. Vintages do not have to be certified by customs. | Focus on blends. Vintages are significantly rarer than Armagnac. Official vintages must be certified by customs (sealed barrels), which is why "Lot 90" and similar designations are often used. |
|
export |
About 55% export | About 98% export |
|
minimum age |
VS = 1 year |
|
|
barrel storage |
The barrels are made of oak from Gascony and Limousin forests. Wood from local forests is generally preferred. | The barrels are made from oak trees that grew in forests in Limousin and Troncais. |
|
floors |
Bas Armagnac = Sandy |
The soil consists primarily of limestone or a mixture of limestone and clay. Sandy soils can only be found on the coast and in more southern areas. |
|
Unstored products |
Unstored products may be sold under Armagnac Blanche. |
No unstored products are allowed under the name of cognac. |
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