The result of the work of a whole region

Cognacs are the fruit of a chain of expertises, attentions and passion involving many specialties: wine-makers, distillers, brokers, buyers and cellar masters, but also alembic builders, coopers, cork-makers… everybody living for and from Cognacs.

Heirs of antique knowledges but sticking to 21st century between lasers and softwares, all passionate, all working not for tomorrow or next month, but for next generation. A special thought for the foresters: they do not prepare spirits that will be included in a blend in 50 years, but they plant oaks that will become barrels in 150 years…if the oaks deserve it

The great oenologist Emile Peynaud used to say "The quality of a wine results from the addition of scores of details, each being negligible."You can understand now that for Cognacs the details are far more numerous...and have to be controlled by many eyes and hands.

I have spoken here about the professionals directly involved in the making process; those whose work has an impact on the aromas or balance of Cognacs

But other aspects iare also important: image and packagings.

Bottles, labels, posters: Cognacs have induced as much innovation in technologies as creativity in arts. Our area has developed excellent skills in those fields. The most incredible crystal bottles used for luxury Cognacs are not produced in the area but many of the more ordinary bottles are made here. Our bottles had been for years on kings tables throughout the world when Bordeaux greatest Chateaux owners realized that selling their wines in bottles could be a good idea.

Cognac, just as the neighbour city of Angouleme now, has been for a long time a great city for graphic arts, postcards and posters. Angouleme is now famous for its Comics International Festival and its audiovisual and image centres, but many companies here are specialized in packaging...especially for spirits.

So Cognacs, more than any beverage, are made by a whole region.

All these professionals are dedicated to their jobs; all participate in some ways in the creation of Cognacs. You will discover these men and women gradually in the “Cognac Magazine” section of this site.

And if you want to meet them, just plan a trip to Cognac. ..