Ideal served during a meal, as an aperitif or after-dinner drink, Cognac can be consumed neat or in cocktails depending on the occasion, country and culture. If you travel in France or the Cognac region, you’re sure to discover Cognac on the menus of the most prestigious restaurants, as well as in upmarket cocktail bars. Cognac has inspired chefs past and present, helping to put this relatively unknown region on the map, thanks to the variety of delicious dishes featuring local produce. Bon appétit!
Cognac is an ambassador of French gastronomy, thanks to its authenticity, unique know-how, and outstanding quality.
Described as “one of the most beautiful eaux-de-vie in the world” by Michelin starred chef Guy Savoy, owner of a renowned restaurant in Las Vegas, Cognac tells a story, epitomizes French culture, and promotes high-end French expertise around the world.
Cognac paired with a starter, main dish, or dessert is guaranteed to offer a unique tasting experience. Numerous chefs and sommeliers have explored possible Cognac-food pairings, including aged hams, delicious chocolate tarts, and soft cheeses. One fun and original tasting idea is to match Cognacs of different ages with other local products at different stages of maturity. The complementary aromas are then expressed to the full. For a successful pairing, the textures and flavors must enhance one another. Serving wine spirits in small quantities (1 cl) bring out all the flavors. These surprising pairings are the perfect way for you and your guests to explore the wealth of flavors and sensations that Cognac has to offer. Enjoy!
COGNAC PAIRING
Cognac makes an ideal foil for some starters, main dishes, and desserts.
Choose by type of dish or Cognac and find recipes to match. Are you ready?
Cocktail hotspotsin Cognac
Where’s the best place to sip a long drink, CognacSummit, Roasty Milk Punch, Spitfire, Smuggler or just a neat VSOP? Immerse yourself in the cozy atmosphere of Bar Louise, check out the stylish hideaway of Bar Luciole, enjoy the rooftop at Bar Indigo, or luxuriate in the intimate setting of 1838 at the Chais Monnet hotel, all located in Cognac.
Seafood dishes are often the dish of choice in Charentes, where the Atlantic coast is just a stone’s throw away. Marennes-Oléron oysters, benefiting from a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), are just one example. These oysters are raised in Europe’s leading oyster farming area, in unique shallow clay ponds, known as “claires”. The Charentes terroir is also home to Charente-Maritime oysters (HCM) and imperial prawns. These go beautifully with a young Cognac on the rocks (VS Frozen served at 0° C), a refreshing pairing that showcases the region’s flavors.
Other Charentes gems offer an array of surprising pairings! No visit to the region is complete without tasting Gensac-la-Pallue troutandcaviar with a few sips of young, fruity, floral Cognac. The Charente-Maritime department is home to traditional salmon smoking expertise, passed down from one generation to the next.
You prefer dry land? Why not try Charente truffles – their aromas resonate amazingly with Cognac? The Charentes terroir is also famous for growing saffron, often considered the region’s “red gold”.
Cognac ambassadorestablishments
Passing through Charentes? This region is home to numerous bars, cellars, restaurants, and hotels which really put Cognac in the spotlight.
Key points to remember
- Cognac epitomizes and enhances French gastronomy around the world.
- Food pairings offer surprising new ways to enjoy Cognac.
- Besides Cognac, other regional products, such as oysters, saffron, and truffles, also express the finesse of the Charentes terroir.
