{"title":"Brandy","description":"\u003cp\u003eDistil a barrel of finished wine instead of drinking it, and you get brandy: still built from grapes, just from the juice rather than the skins left over after pressing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow it is made\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrapes are fermented into a base wine, usually a light, acidic one that would not be much fun to drink on its own, then distilled once or twice, most often in copper pot stills. The clear spirit that comes off the still then spends years in oak, which is where colour, vanilla and spice come from. Labels borrowed from the trade, VS, VSOP and XO, set minimum ages for the youngest component in the blend: two years, four years and ten years respectively.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCognac, Armagnac, and everything else\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCognac, double-distilled in the Charente, and Armagnac, traditionally run once through a column still for an earthier, more rustic result, are the two protected French names most people know. Plenty of well-made brandy is produced outside those zones, fermented, distilled and aged the same way, just without the appellation, and it sells for a fraction of the price. For the pomace-based Italian equivalent rather than a wine-based spirit, see \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/grappa\"\u003egrappa\u003c\/a\u003e; for other aged spirits built the same way, browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/whisky\"\u003ewhisky\u003c\/a\u003e range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs all brandy from Cognac?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. Cognac and Armagnac are protected regions in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/france\"\u003eFrance\u003c\/a\u003e; brandy is the wider category, made wherever wine is distilled and aged.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhat does VSOP mean?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt sets the minimum age of the youngest spirit in the blend, four years for VSOP and ten for XO.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow is brandy different from grappa?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrandy distils finished wine; grappa distils the leftover skins and pips. Different raw material, different aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"crude-xo-acquavite-di-vino-lungamente-invecchiata-05l","title":"Crude XO Acquavite di Vino Lungamente Invecchiata 0.5L","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrude XO Acquavite di Vino Lungamente Invecchiata is a long-aged Italian wine spirit that showcases the rich, generous style Emilia-Romagna is known for. Crafted by Terre Cevico, it offers the depth and elegance expected from a carefully matured XO expression, with a distinctly artisanal character and a classic spirit tradition behind it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExpect a spirit with a warm amber tone and a polished, reflective sheen from extended aging. The nose typically leans toward dried fruit, vanilla, toasted wood, and subtle spice, while the palate is likely to feel smooth and rounded, with layers of caramel, baked orchard fruit, and gentle oak influence.\n\nThe finish should be long and warming, with a refined balance between sweetness, wood spice, and the natural richness of the wine distillate. Thanks to its extended maturation, it should continue to hold its complexity well over time once opened, though it is best enjoyed for its fresh aromatic nuance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProduced in Emilia-Romagna, a region with a long tradition of wine and spirit making, this acquavite di vino is distilled from wine and then aged for an extended period to build complexity and softness. The terroir of the region, with its productive vineyards and strong vinous heritage, supports a style that is expressive and full-bodied. Vinification and distillation are geared toward preserving clean fruit character before slow maturation in wood adds structure, color, and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBest served neat in a tulip glass at room temperature or slightly below, so the aromas can open gradually. It pairs well with dark chocolate, almond-based desserts, dried fruit, mature cheese, or as an after-dinner sip on its own. Decanting is not necessary, but allowing it to rest in the glass for a few minutes can improve aromatic expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTerre Cevico is one of Emilia-Romagna’s best-known cooperative wine organizations, with deep roots in the region’s viticultural landscape. Over the years, it has become an important ambassador for local winemaking, combining scale, consistency, and regional identity. Its portfolio reflects both tradition and accessibility, with products that highlight the character of the area and its long-standing connection to wine culture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Terre Cevico","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54255160623441,"sku":"XW-26173","price":31.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/crude-xo-acquavite-di-vino-lungamente-invecchiata-0-5l_26173_1_f48332d5-ca10-4de5-82d4-ee69ecf508bb.webp?v=1783456825"},{"product_id":"remy-martin-xo-excellence-fine-cognac","title":"Remy Martin XO Excellence Fine Cognac","description":"Remy Martin XO Excellence Fine Cognac","brand":"Remy Martin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256254386513,"sku":"SCOG044","price":295.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/Remy-Martin-XO-Excellence-Fine-Cognac_vinogvelsmag.png?v=1783463165"},{"product_id":"calvados-chateau-du-breuil","title":"Chateau du Breuil Calvados","description":"Chateau du Breuil Calvados","brand":"Bottle Hero","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256258089297,"sku":"SCOG022","price":40.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/Calvados-frankrig-normandiet-aebler-calvados-pays-dauge-fine-chateau-du-breuil-70cl-40-vinogvelsmag.png?v=1783463171"},{"product_id":"pierre-ferrand-ambre-1-cru","title":"Pierre Ferrand Ambré 1. Cru","description":"\u003cp\u003ePierre Ferrand Ambré 1er Cru is a refined cognac crafted in the heart of Grande Champagne, the most prized cru of Cognac. Made entirely under the producer’s own control—from vine to bottle—it offers a level of precision, elegance and depth that appeals to both connoisseurs and curious spirits lovers. This expression showcases Pierre Ferrand’s artisanal approach to eau-de-vie, where traditional methods and meticulous barrel selection deliver a truly classic, terroir-driven style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, Pierre Ferrand Ambré 1er Cru lives up to its name with a deep amber hue edged with burnished gold, a clear sign of careful élevage in quality oak. The nose is complex and expressive, opening with notes of dried apricot, golden raisins and baked apple, followed by layers of vanilla pod, warm spices, orange peel and a delicate floral lift typical of fine Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie.\n\nOn the palate, it is supple yet structured, with a silky texture that carries flavors of stone fruits, honeycomb, toasted oak and a hint of almond and nougat. Subtle spice—cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of pepper—comes through on the mid-palate, supported by a fine, persistent acidity that keeps everything fresh rather than heavy. The finish is long and graceful, with lingering notes of candied citrus and soft vanilla. While this cognac is beautifully ready to drink upon release, its concentration and balance mean it will hold and evolve elegantly in the bottle for several more years if stored correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePierre Ferrand Ambré 1er Cru is produced from Ugni Blanc grapes grown around Château Bonbonnet in the chalk-rich hills of Grande Champagne, the premier cru of Cognac renowned for yielding eaux-de-vie of great finesse and longevity. The high natural acidity of Ugni Blanc is essential for crafting a pure, vibrant base wine, which is harvested in October and vinified in a traditional, straightforward manner—no oak, no embellishment, just clean, characterful wine destined for distillation. The spirit is then distilled in small batches on traditional copper pot stills (alambiques) at a nearby distillery, allowing for precise control of cuts and aromatic concentration. After distillation, the young eaux-de-vie are aged in French oak—primarily Limousin—resting in cool, dark, humid cellars with earth-packed floors. Each cask is monitored and tasted regularly, and only those barrels that meet Pierre Ferrand’s exacting standards are selected and blended to create Ambré 1er Cru.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePierre Ferrand Ambré 1er Cru is wonderfully versatile at the table and in the glass. Enjoy it neat as a classic digestif, or serve it alongside desserts such as crème brûlée, tarte Tatin, almond cake, hazelnut praline or aged hard cheeses like Comté and Gruyère. Its fruit and spice also pair beautifully with foie gras, pâté en croûte or lightly smoked duck breast. For a more contemporary approach, it shines in elevated cocktails—think a Cognac Old Fashioned or Sidecar—where its depth and balance add real sophistication. Serve neat at around 18–20°C (64–68°F); a small tulip-shaped glass will help concentrate the aromas. Younger amber cognacs like this do not strictly require decanting, but allowing the spirit to sit in the glass for a few minutes before sipping will let its full aromatic spectrum unfold.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePierre Ferrand is one of Cognac’s most respected houses, celebrated for its dedication to traditional craftsmanship and estate-driven production. Based at Château Bonbonnet in the heart of Grande Champagne, the house is among the relatively few producers that oversee the entire process themselves: cultivating vines, harvesting, vinifying, distilling, aging and bottling. This deep involvement at every stage has earned Pierre Ferrand a reputation for consistently high quality and for bottlings that faithfully express the character of the region’s chalky soils. As an influential name in the revival of more artisanal, terroir-focused cognac, Pierre Ferrand has garnered international acclaim from sommeliers, bartenders and critics alike, helping to reposition Cognac as a fine spirit for both sipping and serious mixology.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pierre Ferrand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256259498321,"sku":"SCOG023","price":61.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/cognac-frankrig-cognac-1er-cru-grande-champagne-pierre-ferrand-ambre-vinogvelsmag.png?v=1783463172"},{"product_id":"vallein-tercinier-vieux-pineau-rouge-10-ans","title":"Vallein Tercinier - Vieux Pineau Rouge","description":"Vallein Tercinier - Vieux Pineau Rouge","brand":"Vallein Tercinier","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256279880017,"sku":"SCOG036","price":30.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/Pineau-des-charentes-frankrig-cognac-vieux-rouge-vallein-tercinier-domaine-des-forges-75cl-17-vinogvelsmag.png?v=1783463202"},{"product_id":"pineau-des-charentes-coteaux-de-saintonge-blanc","title":"Vallein Tercinier Pineau des Charentes Rouge 10 år","description":"Vallein Tercinier Pineau des Charentes Rouge 10 år","brand":"Bottle Hero","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256288629073,"sku":"SCOG038","price":43.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/Pineau-des-Charentes-Coteaux-de-Saintonge-Blanc_vinogvelsmag.jpg?v=1783463229"},{"product_id":"kaapzicht-brandy-20-year","title":"Kaapzicht Brandy 20 year","description":"\u003cp\u003eKaapzicht Brandy 20 Year is a rare, patiently crafted Cape brandy that bridges generations, distilled from Colombard grapes grown on old vines in the Bottelary hills of South Africa’s Western Cape. Double pot-distilled and matured for two full decades in oak, it offers a level of depth and refinement more often associated with the great brandies of Europe. Created by the previous generation at Kaapzicht to be enjoyed by the next, this is a contemplative, limited gem for serious brandy lovers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, Kaapzicht Brandy 20 Year shows a deep amber hue with glints of burnished gold, a visual cue to its long rest in wood. Swirl the glass and you’ll find an intensely aromatic nose, layered with dried stone fruits such as peach and apricot, alongside candied citrus peel, pineapple, toasted almond, and a whisper of vanilla and spice.\n\nOn the palate it is remarkably smooth and full-bodied, echoing the nose with concentrated dried fruit, citrus zest and tropical nuances, wrapped in gentle oak, nutty tones and subtle caramel. The texture is silky yet powerful, with great balance between fruit, wood and spirit. A classic, dry and elegant finish—very much in the vein of fine Cognac—lingers with notes of almond skin, spice and dried apricot. Already perfectly mature on release, this 20-year brandy will hold and evolve gracefully in bottle for many more years when stored correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Colombard grapes for this brandy come from old vines rooted in the granitic, weathered soils of the Bottelary area in the Coastal Region of the Western Cape—a terroir prized for yielding high-acid, characterful base wines ideal for distillation. Yields are kept deliberately low to concentrate flavour, and grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness to preserve freshness and aromatic intensity. After fermentation into a clean, neutral base wine, the spirit is double distilled by hand in Wellington in traditional copper pot stills, which help to capture purity and finesse while adding textural richness. The resulting spirit is then laid down to mature patiently in carefully selected oak casks for twenty years, allowing slow oxidation, integration of wood influences, and the development of its remarkable complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a sipping brandy best enjoyed neat, ideally in a tulip or balloon glass at around 18–20°C, where its aromatics can fully unfurl. Allow it a few minutes in the glass to open up rather than formal decanting. Kaapzicht Brandy 20 Year pairs beautifully with roasted almonds, hazelnuts, aged hard cheeses, and high-cocoa dark chocolate. It is also an exceptional partner to desserts such as crème brûlée, tarte Tatin or almond tart, and will happily accompany a fine cigar at the end of an unhurried meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKaapzicht Estate is a family-owned winery situated in the Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch in South Africa’s Western Cape, with a history that dates back to 1946. Over several generations, the Steytler family has built a reputation for producing characterful, terroir-driven wines—especially robust reds and Cape classics—while also contributing to the revival and refinement of premium South African brandy. Their position in the Coastal Region, with its decomposed granite soils and cooling maritime influences, has made Kaapzicht a respected name in the Cape winelands, with numerous accolades for both their wines and spirits underscoring their role as a benchmark producer in the area.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kaapzicht","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256333619537,"sku":"SPI586","price":226.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/Brandy-sydafrika-stellenbosch-colombard-kaapzicht-cape-brandy-20-years-38-75cl-vinogvelsmag.png?v=1783463455"},{"product_id":"falster-brandy","title":"Falster Brandy","description":"Falster Brandy","brand":"Falster Destilleri","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256369402193,"sku":"SCOG028","price":54.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/Brandy-danmark-falster-brandy-px-oloroso-cask-38-50cl-vinogvelsmag.png?v=1783463592"},{"product_id":"vallein-pineau-des-charentes-blanc","title":"Vallein Pineau des Charentes Blanc","description":"Vallein Pineau des Charentes Blanc","brand":"Vallein Tercinier","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54256477667665,"sku":"SCOG035","price":30.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/Likoer-Frankrig-cognac-pineau-des-charentes-coteaux-de-saintonge-75cl-17-vinogvelsmag.png?v=1783463848"}],"url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/collections\/brandy.oembed","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}