Cognac Grapes

Cognac grapes are the foundation of the iconic French spirit, grown in the Cognac region’s six crus and strictly regulated to ensure quality. The primary variety, Ugni Blanc (also called Trebbiano Toscano), dominates 98% of production due to its high acidity, low sugar content, and resistance to rot, yielding a tart, low-alcohol wine ideal for distillation into eau-de-vie. Other permitted grapes, like Folle Blanche and Colombard, contribute floral and fruity notes but are less common due to disease susceptibility. Each cru—Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois, and Bois Ordinaires—imparts distinct traits to the grapes, from chalky-soil elegance to robust vigor, harvested in September and October. These grapes, pressed immediately and fermented without added sugar, embody the terroir that defines cognac’s character before aging in oak barrels.