The business of cognac is a thriving industry centered in the Cognac region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, where over 200 million bottles of this luxurious brandy are produced annually, primarily for export to markets like the United States and China. Major houses such as Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Courvoisier, and Martell dominate, controlling about 90% of the market, while smaller producers and family-run distilleries contribute to the diversity of offerings, from VS to XO grades. Rooted in the double distillation of white wine from specific grape varieties like Ugni Blanc and aging in oak barrels, the industry is tightly regulated by the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC), ensuring quality and authenticity. With a global value exceeding €3 billion, the business blends tradition with innovation, leveraging iconic bottles like the Cognaçaise and capitalizing on tourism, including boat rentals along the Charente River, to bolster its economic and cultural influence.
