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Distillation is the method employed to separate alcohol (ethanol) from other elements in a fermented solution (aka mash). Heat separates the components of the mash. The more volatile ingredients, like ethanol, become gas, climbs up up into a cooling column where it is cooled and able to return to a liquid state where it is then collected. This is known as the distillate. The distiller later blends the distillate with other alcohol or flavorings. In most cases it is matured in oak barrels until the sought after flavors and aromas are produced. Brandy and clear, colorless grappa are two examples of spirits distilled from wine. Almost any liquor store will stock these items. You will even find Brandy and Grappa in almost any bar. Listed here are popular distillations from wine. Armagnac (ärmn-yk) Armagnac is a pale golden, dry-tasting French brandy. French law requires that only white grapes belonging to the Haut-Armagnac, Tenareze, and Bas-Armagnac parts of Gascony, in southwest France, may be used in the manufacturing of Armagnac. After the grape harvest the white grape juice is fermented and distilled. This typically takes place between October and April. Unlike cognac, its younger cousin, Armagnac has traditionally been made by distilling the fermented juice only once. However, recent change in French legislation has permitted double distillations. Armagnac is then matured in oak barrels to refine the flavour of the finished product. To ascertain the number of years the Armagnac has been matured in oak barrels you can look at the label. Three stars mean it has been aged for at least two years. V.S.O.R on the label indicates it's been aged a minimum of five years. Napoleon and X.O. have been aged for no less than six years and Hors d'Age a minimum of 10 years. A vintage year on the label denotes the year of the harvest. A vintage Armagnac is never blended. Brandy First discovered in the middle of the thirteenth century in France as an attempt to produce a medicinal drink, brandy is now produced throughout the world wherever grapes are cultivated. Brandy is generally distilled twice. The clear, colorless liquid is given its distinctive nutty brownish color and flavor by maturing in wood, typically oak, barrels. The more time a brandy ages, the more refined its flavor. Cognac Perhaps the best-known brandy worldwide, cognac, originates from an area in Western France known as Charente and Charente-Maritime. To get labeled as "cognac," French legislation specifies that the brandy can only be created from specific white grapes that are grown and distilled inside a strictly defined geographical area. Cognac production is governed by both tradition and law. For instance, all brandy is distilled at least twice. It must be aged in oak barrels for at least two years. During this time the Cognac develops a rich, brown color. The final product is bottled at Eighty proof. The label, also governed by law, lets one figure out the maturity of the cognac much like what we saw for Armagnac. Three stars or VS. indicates the cognac has been aged in barrel for at least two years. V.S.O.R., Vieux, V.O. and Reserve indicate it has matured for at least four years. V.V.S.O.P and Grande Reserve, at least five years and Extra, Napoleon, X.O., Tres eux and Vieille Reserve are aged for six to ten years. Grappa This is an Italian spirit distilled from the grape stems, skins, and seeds (pomace) after fermenting and pressing the grapes. The final product is a fragrant pomace brandy which is anywhere from 70-120 proof. In Italy Grappa is offered as an after-dinner drink similar to ports in France. For this beverage to be called "Grappa" it must be produced in Italy, Southern Switzerland (Italian part of Switzerland) or in San Marino. Metaxa OOPA! This popular Greek spirit, metaxa is a blend of brandy and wine made from sun-dried Savatiano, Black Corinth grape varieties ( currents) and Sultana (think Thompson Seedless grapes). Then it is blended with matured Muscat wine from the Greek islands of Samos and Lemnos. Metaxa is aged in French oak barrels. The amount of time maturing in barrel can be determined by the number of stars on the label. As an example, three stars signifies three years; five stars, five years; etc. Grand Reserve signifies it has been aged for 30 years. Pisco This very tangy, slightly yellowish or golden-tinged brandy is the national drink of Chile. Pisco is the main ingredient in the refreshing cocktail Pisco Sour. Pisco is created from black grapes with a high proportion of muscat grapes. Pisco is twice distilled in copper pot stills and matured in oak casks, glass or stainless steel containers. To find out more about the how to make whiskey, mash recipes, etc. head on over to How To Make Whiskey HQ. Step-by-step guidelines are available to create your own mash recipe and distill into whiskey. Making whiskey is interesting on many levels. It has a abundant history, uses everything from low tech to high tech equipment and can be as simple or complex as you like.
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grappa, wine, distillation, cognac,
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