Bons Bois

Bons Bois, the fifth of six cru in the Cognac appellation, covers roughly 370,000 hectares surrounding the inner crus of Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, and Fins Bois, with about 9,500 hectares planted with vines for Cognac production. Located in southwestern France, its diverse soils—ranging from clay-limestone to sandy coastal patches—produce eaux-de-vie that mature relatively quickly, often within 10 to 20 years, offering fruity, straightforward flavors with less depth than higher crus. Influenced by a mix of oceanic and continental climates, Bons Bois Cognac is typically used in blends by larger houses, though some independent producers craft single-cru expressions showcasing its rustic charm. Meaning “good woods,” its name nods to its forested past, positioning it as a versatile, if less celebrated, contributor to the Cognac landscape.