Cognac is the spirit produced in the French city of the same name in the Charente wine-growing region north of Bordeaux. At least 90% of the wine used to make cognac must be from three specific grape varieties – Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Folle Blanche, alone or in a blend. The final 10% may be from other grapes such as Montils, Semillon, Jurançon blanc, Blanc Ramé, Select and Sauvignon. Cognac is subject to very strict regulations (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée), and in 1860 the area where the grapes are grown was divided into six crus: Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Les Borderies, Le Fins Bois, Le Bons Bois and Le Bois à Terroirs.
