Q&A: Wine & Food Questions
Spirits
What is the difference between Brandy, Cognac, Armagnac, and Calvados?
Answer From Expert Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
Brandy is a generic term referring to many distilled spirits of differing origins that rely on fruits as their base raw material. Cognac, Armagnac and Calvados are controlled denominations from defined regions in France regulated by an appellation d'origine controlee (AOC). Cognac and Armagnac both originate with grape wines which are distilled and aged in cask for varying periods. The quality of these brandies ranges from good commercial to extraordinary. Calvados is distilled primarily from the cider of apples, but pears are also used to varying degrees. Calvados lacks the worldwide cachet of Cognac but can be a superb drink. Within each of these AOC spirits, there are further distinctions relating to subdistricts and length of aging. As a general rule, all brandies become smoother and more complex the longer they are matured in wood.
About The Expert
Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade as an importer and retailer, and at present he is an educator, speaker and consultant. He set up and managed Millesima USA, a New York merchant affiliated with Europe's leader in direct sales of fine wines to consumers. Previously, he served as senior executive of Frederick Wildman & Sons, traveling regularly around the world to visit wineries and taste the new vintage from barrel. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993.
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