Have you ever wondered what it goes into the making of Cognac? What it would be like to trace this unique spirit from the moment of its birth through the full maturation process, then onto its ultimate expression? Well, now you can... Join Cognac Educators Ms. Franky Marshall, Hoke Harden, Alexandre Vingtier, and Distiller Allen Katz for an in-depth exploration of this timeless Eau-de-Vie from inception, through different levels of barrel maturation, and finally, into the bottle. We will offer a unique tasting of the Heads, Hearts, Seconds and Tails, see how they differ, and learn the importance of the Master Distiller’s craft. We will examine the effects of terroir and the region's viticulture. Then we will focus on the Cellar Master's work, the aging and blending of the heart of the distillation to see how it ultimately matures into a spirit for all seasons. You will be offered an array of specially selected Cognacs of contrasting styles, ages, and Crus to taste side-by-side. To help awaken your senses, you will be provided with a variety of fruits, flowers, herbs and spices designed to stimulate your palate. Taste, compare, and discover the intricate combinations of aromas and flavors in the glass. You will leave this seminar with a deeper knowledge and understanding of the category, a new outlook on Cognac's myriad flavors and versatility, and an invigorated vision of how to combine elements to craft the perfect Cognac cocktail.

1. DISCOVERING THE FLAVORS OF COGNAC
An overview of the diversity, the origin and the evolution of
Cognac.
HOKE HARDEN, ALLEN KATZ, ALEXANDRE VINGTIER
Moderated by: ms. franky marshall
Sponsored by BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionel du Cognac)
CAMPAIGN FINANCED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND FRANCE

2. DISCOVERING THE FLAVORS OF COGNAC
#discovercognac
#gnacattack
@msfrankyfranky
Hoke
Allen
Alex
#totc
@totc
Wifi password

3. More than
5 bottles of Cognac sold
in the world every
second
Cognac is exported in more than 160 countries
around the world
A renowned wine spirit
Year 2014
155.6 million bottles
2 128 million euros

5. ● 450 km southwest of Paris
● 110 km northeast of Bordeaux
Where is Cognac?

6. The world’s largest white wine grape
vineyard area
producing an eau-de-vie
6
10 % of the French
vineyard surface
Around 20 % of
France’s wine
production
74 743 ha

8. Study of Cognac Composition

11. Main aromatic families originating from
grape

12. Ugni Blanc
Represents more than 95% of Cognac vineyard surfaces. Late ripening, high
yield, acidic, low sugar, slightly aromatic
The grape is specific for distillation, not for drinking.
Originating from Italy (“Trebbiano Toscano”), the Cognac region is its northern
limit in the mid-20th century. Its wines are particularly suited to production of
quality wine spirits.

13. Folle Blanche
Late ripening, medium yield, acidic (if not too mature), low sugar, highly
aromatic, sensitive to grey mold.
It was the main Cognac variety in the 19th century, before the phylloxera
crisis (1875).

14. Aroma compounds differentiate grape varieties

15. The type of soil influences grape production and
composition
6 growing regions (crus)

16. Determined by :
Ø
Grape composition (sugar, nitrogen, precursors…)
Ø
Yeast identity (species, strain…)
Ø
Fermentative conditions
Ø
Wine conservation
AROMAS RELEASED DURING FERMENTATION

19. [Click above to see video]
Traditional Cognac Still

20. Cognac distillation
About 9 liters of wine are needed to produce 1 liter of Cognac
(72.4 % Abv. Max.) after 24 hours

23. Note: Rancio is characterized by notes of mushrooms, damp undergrowth and walnut oil - complex and
specific aromas that develop during the long barrel ageing and increase in intensity with the years.

25. Blending
Ø
Cognac is often the result of a blend of various eaux-de-vie and crus.
Ø
The Master Blender is the key person in this operation.

26. Aroma Wheel
The Cognac Aroma Wheel categorizes
aromas by seasons.
Cognac’s subtle floral notes recall
spring, while its headier notes of
apricots, citrus and exotic fruit conjure
up a warm summer’s day.
Autumn is reflected in the spicier notes
of ginger, liquorice, vanilla and caramel.
Powerful notes of winter are conjured
up by coffee, tobacco, toast, cedar and
sandalwood.

28. DISCOVERING THE FLAVORS OF COGNAC
HOKE HARDEN, ALLEN KATZ, ALEXANDRE VINGTIER
Moderated by: ms. franky marshall
#discovercognac
#gnacattack
@msfrankyfranky
Hoke
Allen
Alexendre
@totc #totc
Sponsored by BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionel du Cognac)
Merci beaucoup!
CAMPAIGN FINANCED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND FRANCE