More aristocratic and noble drink in the world than natural French cognac, most likely, will not work. It is worthy even of famous kings, with its aroma and taste it is able to arouse respect and affection in people from the first sip, reflects a deep inner world and allows you to feel like a part of high society. However, in addition to personal preferences in terms of taste and smell, a true connoisseur and delicate gourmet will definitely pay attention to labeling and aging, which is extremely important.

And already by the label, just by looking at it, the connoisseur will immediately determine, for example, what does XO, VS, VSOP and so on cognac mean. Let's figure it out together, especially since everything here is quite clear and transparent.

Classification of cognac

A person from the street who was previously very superficially familiar with cognac, the technology of its production, as well as the peculiarities of its use, will find it extremely difficult to figure out from the start what is the age of this noble drink. That is, to understand how many years this liquid has spent oak barrel before it hits the consumer's table. Only a few people in the world can calculate the approximate age by taste, color, smell and other indicators, and for the rest, labels have been invented, on which all the necessary information is indicated.

Age of cognac

If you really want to become a connoisseur and gourmet, it doesn’t hurt to first understand that the age, or rather, the aging of cognac is considered exactly until it is poured from a barrel into a glass container, most often into a bottle. At this moment, it instantly stops "aging" and no matter how many years pass, it will remain exactly the same as before. In fact, the acquisition of cognac by an ignorant person is a bit like buying a lottery ticket, because you never know for sure whether you are lucky or not. It is the same with cognac, because it seems like famous names and brands flash like Remy Martin or Hennessy, and beautiful marking large letters VSOP, XO, and what does all this Chinese diploma not at all clear. On the other hand, there are more modest markings, such as KV, KS, OS and others, which also do not hurt to study.

French roots, technology and endurance

Initially, cognac was invented by winemakers in France, after they learned to distill twice a young grape wine special grades into the purest distillate and store it tightly sealed in oak barrels for many years. It is in these barrels that the drink acquires its unique color, striking aroma and stunning taste.
But the markings on the labels do not mean anything new or incomprehensible, but just mark his age. For example, VSOP cognac, what does this label mean, what does it refer to and how to understand what kind of drink is in front of you? You need to start to understand that the cognac can be exclusively from France, this is enshrined in the law, no other drinks can be called that. There are some exceptions, for example, Armenian cognac, the quality control of which is carried out by a French company. Anyway, such a drink has its own labeling and French standards are not allowed to be used here. Strictly ensure that the original markings XO, VSOP, VS are respected, a company called the French National Interprofessional Bureau of Cognacs is assigned.

Age of cognacs on various scales

So how can you make the right choice and take exactly the bottle that is definitely of high quality, long aging, and, consequently, a special smell and taste. First of all, you can judge the aging by the stars on the label, each of them covers exactly a dozen months spent in a sealed oak barrel. It is remarkable that the beginning of the aging of cognac always begins at the same time, namely from 1 am on the first of April of each year, when the raw materials must already be processed, and the grape distillate is purified and poured into aging containers. Thus, there are no stars on the label. may be less than three, since the minimum period of standing for an ordinary cognac is at least thirty months. However, in addition to the classification by aging, which we will discuss below, there are other designations that you can see on French bottles, so it will not hurt to familiarize yourself with them in order to be fully prepared for surprises.

C (Cognac) - cognac.

E (Special) - special.
Oh (Old) - old.
V (Very) - very.
S (Superior) - excellent.
P (Pale) - pale.
X (Extra) - extra.

If you are going to become subtle connoisseurs of French cognacs, it will not hurt to understand all this in more detail, to find out, for example, what VS cognac means, so as not to lose your face on dinner party or reception.

Authentic French markings

Without trying, one can only superficially judge the qualities of this or that drink. However, when it comes to real French cognac, it is already possible to conclude from what is written on the label what properties and qualities are inherent in this version of alcohol, provided that it is original and not a fake. It will not be difficult to figure it out, just wanting is enough, since everything here is limited to four or five letters.
The easiest way to answer is what VS means on cognac and this means that we are talking about a drink aged in an oak barrel for at least two and a half years. Also, a similar alcohol is called Trois Etoiles, that is, "three stars." The second version of the VO marking means Very Old or Reserve, which translates as very old. This cognac is called three years old. Decoding of VSOP cognac - Very Superior Old Pale. This means that in front of you is a very old cognac, aged for at least four years, but often much more. Because it is not at all difficult to understand VSOP on cognac. Another question: what does VVSOP on cognac mean and how is it translated? There is nothing complicated here either, Very-Very Superior Old Pale or Grande Reserve means very, very old cognac, high-quality and light, aged for at least five years. It remains to figure out what XO cognac means, but there will be no difficulties here either. Extra Old is a very old cognac, the aging of which has reached six years and more, which in itself already inspires respect. Everything that is older, by the standards of professionals, cannot be classified, even if it will stand in a barrel for twenty or thirty years. Experts believe that such a long time frame cannot guarantee blending. Therefore, it was decided to prohibit the labeling of cognac over six years old at the legislative level.
Many people mistakenly believe that the words on the labels of French cognac, in the manner of Extra, Napoleon or Grand Reserve, are brands and names, but in reality this is not so. This is the labeling of the drink by aging and classification, but not a personal name or the name of the manufacturing company.

Exposure of cognac according to the Soviet scale

Domestic drinks cannot be called fully natural, since cognac can be French and nothing else. However, in Soviet times, and even now, it was popular to create such drinks, among which the Armenian brandy was especially famous, the quality of which is really recognized by the most outstanding winemakers in France.
Since there is a huge offer on the market, and the quality of the drink is really high, it does not hurt to study the domestic classification of cognacs, which was invented and put into effect in Soviet times... It works to this day. Most often, alcohol is marked with stars, they go one per year, and the minimum exposure is three years. Ordinary cognacs of the times of the USSR can have from one to five stars. More elite and expensive brandies were considered branded, the classification of which should be understood in more detail. For example, it is interesting to know what KV cognac means and what it testifies to, therefore, it is worth studying everything from this place in sufficient detail.

KV - aged cognac - a drink that has matured for at least six years.

KVVK - aged cognac of the highest quality - an alcoholic drink, the aging of which has exceeded eight years.
KS - old cognac - this means that the drink is about ten years old, or even more.
OS - very old - cognac, which was kept in oak barrels of cellars and cellars of Armenia for twenty years and more. These are the most elite varieties, the price of which sometimes overshadows the French original drinks.

Anything that is aged even longer already belongs to collectible alcohol and it is unlikely that it is intended to simply drink a bottle with friends, because it will cost a fortune, which means that an appropriate reason is needed. Thus, without even tasting the alcohol, you can already imagine how the contents of the bottle differ and whether it is worth paying for it the price indicated on the label.

Cognac is a strong alcoholic drink aimed at an adult audience who can appreciate the original aromatic bouquet, rich texture of taste, branded aftertaste and reference color.

Did you know? According to some reports, the VSOP class was created by French masters commissioned by Napoleon, who wanted to enjoy an old, but light drink.

Each inscription on the drink label carries useful information for a taster, and then you have to learn more about what cognac means VS, VSOP, XO, and familiarize yourself with their differences. Subsequently, the information received will allow a novice connoisseur of strong alcohol to easily select drinks for any event and event.

What are the excerpt markings

Getting acquainted with VSOP cognac on store shelves, you will also notice for yourself an impressive abundance of other classifications of refined alcohol. In other words, in addition to the same, other alcoholic products with their own unique classifications can be presented on store shelves. It should be noted that the decoding of VSOP cognac means Very Superior Old Pale, or "improved aged".

This classification applies exclusively to French versions of alcoholic products. From the point of view of French blending masters, drinks are divided into the following types:

• V. S. (Very Special).
• Superior.
• V. S. O. P. (Very Superior Old Pale).
• V. V. S. O. P. (Very Very Superior Old Pale).
• X. O. (Extra Old).

In the post-Soviet space, the consumer can also come across other classification options, namely: ordinary, vintage and collection. Unlike French - Arvest cognacs - single ones are marked with stars, and branded drinks are subdivided into:

• KV (Aged).
• KVVK (Aged Top Quality).
• KS (Old).
• OS (Very Old).

As for collectible products, they do not have a special classification, that is, you do not have to deal with decoding VS, VSOP and XO. Only years of aging are inherent in such drinks.

Did you know? Original product class WSOP is more expensive than average. Be careful, there are a lot of fakes in liquor stores.

What does VSOP cognac mean and what features does it have?

Recently, it has been quite common to see how some non-French brands use the popular classification when labeling their products. You can see the VSOP inscription on the Moldavian cognac — Quint—, the Ukrainian — Shustov — or the Kazakh — Al-Farabi—.

Of course, these designations do not mean that the product was produced in France or using the French technology for blending strong spirits. In fact, this inscription means the aging of the drinks.

The VSOP class includes products containing alcohols aged in oak containers for at least 4 years. However, it is not worth claiming that the entire product went through the infusion process. Blending alcohol is a complex multi-layered process involving the creation of an original mix from a variety of alcohol variants. In fact, the designation at 4 years old means the age of the youngest alcohol used in the blend. Other varieties can be much older and richer.

It should also be noted that each manufacturer strives to keep the recipe of the created alcohol secret. That is, when you buy Dugladze brandy in a store, you probably won’t say what kind of alcohols were used for its production. Only an experienced sommelier can solve the secret of the bouquet.

Did you know? The best products are those made in France or Armenia.

Original taste, unique aroma and premium

The French classification of cognac ideally distinguishes between drinks according to their aroma and taste. Practice shows that none of the proposed analogous systems so accurately grades alcoholic products.

That is, by purchasing products that correspond to the VSOP classification and comparing them with the same VS or XO, you are guaranteed to feel the difference. Trust the method of dividing drinks into classes, which for hundreds of years has been creating optimal conditions for connoisseurs of strong alcohol in their choice.

Also, do not forget to give preference to eminent alcohol trade marks, whose recipe has already managed to prove itself and has won the trust of a multi-million audience of consumers around the world.

Write in the comments your opinion about Very Superior Old Pale cognacs.

The culture of communication on the Internet is developing more and more, and in this regard, reductions appear. Understanding their meaning and when and how to use them correctly sometimes becomes problematic. For example, the popular abbreviation "XOXO"... It often appears in correspondence, especially in English, but what does it mean?

Abbreviation "XOXO"

At first glance, the meaning of this short string of symbols is clear. By analogy with the well-known abbreviation "XD", which has long taken root in runet, X should mean eyes screwed up with laughter, and O- mouth wide open in a smile, that is "Hoho" kind of symbolizes unrestrained laughter. However, in reality, this is not at all the case.

English and Russian meaning

The English meaning of the abbreviation "ХОХО" is "hugs and kisses". So, X here shows lips folded for a kiss (the asterisk "*" has the same meaning, and O - arms closed in an arc for a hug. The Russian version can be formulated as "hugs and kisses" or simply "kiss-hug". As you can see, There is nothing to do with laughter here, and moreover, if this abbreviation in the correspondence is misinterpreted, then embarrassment may arise.

For instance:

• Honey, you looked amazing in this dress today!

• I've been going to tell you for a long time - I really like you.
• You know, you me too ... HOHO

• We spent a wonderful evening in the park today. Was cool.
• I agree, especially when you hugged me and talked about the stars HOHO

Indeed, a mistaken understanding of contraction, as can be seen from the examples, can greatly darken the mood or, in general, ruin relationships between people.

Pronunciation of the abbreviation "Hoho" in principle is not considered, since it is only a set of characters. After all, we do not voice emoticons at the end of the message. Nevertheless, if there is a need to express this particular contraction with sounds, the English version of "kso-kso" is more suitable than the Russian "ho-ho" (and a bottle of rum).

Read also

Popular acronyms in the Internet environment

Abbreviations and abbreviations that have taken root in the language and are widely used in articles and correspondence are called acronyms... Of course, the term not only includes modern-day creations of internet chat rooms, but they also fall into this category.

It should be noted that most of them come to us from across the ocean, from America. The culture of the United States is probably more open to this kind of innovation. Or, these constructions simply transferred to the Cyrillic alphabet do not look so laconic. Popular web acronyms include:

BRB- stands for "be right back", that is, "I'll be back soon" and is used in a conversation if you need to quickly leave somewhere;

RLY- short for "really". In a conversation, it can be used both as a statement and as an expression of doubt, for example, “Do you want to invite me to this lousy eatery? RLY ?? ";

XYZ- a funny abbreviation that matches the last three letters of the Latin alphabet. Its meaning is no less funny - it is a way to hint to a friend that his fly is unbuttoned. The literal meaning is "examine your zipper";

g2g or AFK- used when you need to leave and leave the interlocutor. "Got to go" or "away from keyboard" in Russian sounds like "I have to go";

AC / DC- the name of a popular rock band, which literally means "alternating current / direct current", or "alternating current / direct current". Once it also stuck as an allusion to the interlocutor's bisexuality. So if you receive a message like “you're straight AC / DC” - don't be in a hurry to rejoice that you are considered a cool rock 'n' roll guy. Perhaps this is an insult.

There are a huge number of such abbreviations, here are only the most interesting or funny ones. It will be useful to get acquainted with them for everyone who is actively in correspondence with friends.

The next time you type “IMHO this is RLY gr8. I am g2g, SY ”think if the interlocutor can understand you. And even more so, you should not use the usual constructions in correspondence with people of the older generation - they probably have great difficulties with this. That's it, TNX, AFK, see you asap.

Each person approaches the choice of alcoholic beverages in general and brandy in particular, taking into account their personal preferences. In addition to their own taste, usually attention is paid to the manufacturer, brand and aging.

Everyone is familiar with the asterisks that adorn the labels of domestically produced cognacs. However, on the bottles of foreign production, the mysterious letters XO, VS, VSOP are indicated. Deciphering these abbreviations causes difficulties for many not too sophisticated connoisseurs of an elite drink.

Let's clarify this issue.

French roots

To begin with, it should be noted that cognac is a product that is produced exclusively in France. All other drinks, according to international economic agreements, are not allowed to bear this name. Therefore, the decoding of VS, VSOP, XO and other abbreviations for alcoholic beverages in Armenia or Georgia is not required. All the necessary information, from the aging period to the place of spill, is indicated on the label and is absolutely clear to everyone.

By the way, the very technology of production of the considered varieties of alcoholic beverages is absolutely identical. Therefore, whether it be asterisks or VSOP, the decryption testifies to one thing - how many years it was aged in special barrels.

The only thing that I would like to additionally mention is the careful and reverent attitude of the French to this national drink. They carefully monitor compliance with all quality standards, regardless of the combinations XO, VS, VSOP. No decryption is required, you can simply enjoy the unsurpassed taste.

Production technology

As you know, the basis of cognac is grape alcohol. However, it reaches its true taste and bouquet only after a certain time of aging, which takes place in special oak barrels.

During this process, the original product undergoes a huge number of different transformations. Some substances evaporate from it, which spoil the taste of the final drink. The organic material of the barrel walls gives the drink a taste appreciated by everyone.

These natural processes proceed at a very low rate. Therefore, the process of creating a truly elite drink can take many years. The minimum period that is necessary for the alcohol poured into barrels to bear the proud name of cognac is at least one and a half years. Only then does it acquire soft velvety notes with a light oak scent and mahogany color.

My years are my wealth

Previously, each manufacturer created its own labeling system, which was indicated on the cognac bottles. Therefore, it was very difficult to establish how many years a particular drink was aged in special ones.

Only after the creation of the French National Bureau, responsible for the production of cognac on the territory of this country, the combinations XO, VSOP, VS were invented, the decoding of which no longer causes difficulties for anyone and indicates the age of the drink.

Classification

Any specialist is able to taste to distinguish all the changes that take place in cognac alcohol at the very beginning of its maturation. Therefore, the combinations VS or VSOP, the decoding of which is so interesting for inexperienced buyers, are not too important for him. The main purpose of these abbreviations is to distinguish between drinks, the aging period of which is approaching 10 years.

This is especially true for the control of the production process and the quality of finished products.

So, the following aging periods are distinguished:

XO - the aging period of cognac alcohol in an oak barrel must exceed 6 years;

VVSOP - the process of making this drink is at least 5 years;

VSOP - the drink is bottled after 4 years of aging;

VS - the minimum shelf life in an oak barrel is 2 years.

Conclusion

Finally, we note that the aging time of brandy is calculated from the first of April of the year following the bottling. Therefore, in most cases, the duration of the stay of the drink in barrels is slightly longer than that indicated on the label, which has a beneficial effect on its taste.

All cognacs - depending on the aging - are divided into 3 categories using various abbreviations:
Very Special (VS) - "special", or as it is also called "three-star". The aging period must be at least 2.5 years;
Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP) - if translated literally, you get "especially old pale". This drink is aged for at least 4 years;
Extra Old (XO) - the "youngest" alcohol in this drink must be aged for at least 6 years.
Since cognac is, first of all, a blend, that is, a specially selected mixture of many cognac spirits, aging is determined by the "youngest" of them. This means that if you mix, say, alcohol of category VS with alcohol XO, then the resulting product will still be VS cognac.
So, cognacs labeled XO are the highest category of this alcoholic beverage... Their most important advantage and peculiarity is that they have a higher concentration of various alcohols, aged for 6 or more years. In reality, Xo cognac produced by a respected and respected wine house is a drink made up of 20-30-year-old alcohols. Its blend includes up to hundreds of components. Thanks to this, the drink acquires a particularly rich and harmonious taste with many shades, as well as a unique aftertaste.
Because of long-term storage and a complex production procedure and subsequent care for many years, this category of cognacs belongs to the category of first-class alcoholic beverages... It is intended exclusively for people who can appreciate the unique blend and refined taste; for those who are ready to pay a lot of money for it. That is why these products have an increased cost. But in this case, the end really justifies the means. Agree, to withstand alcohol for a quarter, or even half a century - and this is just one component - is worth a lot of work and expense.
Cognac XO is produced in bottles of various sizes. There are also small bottles - for one sip, and huge bottles of several liters, and gift decanters, decorated with crystals and packed in exquisite boxes. In general, you can find an option for every taste. However, most often they buy bottles of standard (universal) volume - 0.5 and 0.7 liters. However, they are also most of all counterfeited, so be especially careful when choosing an elite cognac.
Regarding cognac, our fellow citizens have the following opinion: the larger the manufacturer, the better the quality of the drink. However, this rule does not work here. This is explained by the fact that large companies can never fully provide themselves with alcohol (simply due to the fact that the volume of their own vineyards is not enough). Therefore, they usually buy the missing amount of alcohol from the same small wineries. It turns out that large brands do not hesitate to use raw materials from small manufacturers for their products. This, in turn, means that the cognac of the latter will be no worse in quality.

At the same time, French alcohol producers also have a rather strange idea of ​​Russia. For some unknown reason, they deprive us by sending the most the best cognacs to other countries. We are put on a par with the Chinese, importing mainly products of average quality. Meanwhile, Russia ranks second in terms of the number of billionaires, so it is not entirely clear what their salespeople are guided by.
XO level cognac is produced by many companies. For example, you can specify manufacturers such as Hennessy, Martell, Remy Martin, Courvoisier and others.
It is believed that the first XO brandy was made by Maurice Hennessy. For 100 years, the products of such High Quality produced only his wine house. However, the products of this brand are still considered the standard, being sold in a very large quantities... Due to its soft and harmonious taste, as well as delicate aroma Hennessy cognac remains the most demanded drink among alcohol connoisseurs.
Also excellent cognac of the XO category is produced by the Martell company. Many are attracted by the rich bouquet of this drink, composed of the best cognac spirits and having a copper-golden hue, as well as pleasant notes of dried fruits. The original bottle, made in the shape of an arch, adds sophistication to Martell products and sets them apart from other manufacturers.
Another famous cognac is the French Remy Martin XO. Grapes for him are harvested only in the province of Petty Champagne. The taste of Remy Martin is soft, has pronounced shades of cinnamon and figs, and in the aftertaste there are barely noticeable notes of candied fruits and plums.
Courvoisier XO is perhaps the most "aristocratic" among its brethren. The exquisite shape of its bottle alone can be considered a work of art. The cognac itself is amber in color, has a complex aroma, with prevailing notes of vanilla and candied fruits. The taste is velvety. The finish is long and rich.
In conclusion, whatever your choice, remember, XO cognac is always a great purchase.