What are the steps involved in making Cognac?

The steps involved in making Cognac include processing grapes, fermentation, distillation, and after distillation activities.

Cognac production begins with the careful selection of grapes, specifically the Ugni Blanc variety, which are then processed to extract the juice. Following this, fermentation occurs where the grape juice is converted into wine through the action of yeast, converting sugars into alcohol.

After fermentation, the next critical step is distillation. This process concentrates the alcohol by heating the fermented wine and capturing the vapors, which are subsequently cooled to form a spirit. Cognac must undergo double distillation in pot stills, a method that enhances the purity and flavor of the final product.

Once distillation is completed, after distillation activities include aging the spirit in oak barrels, which imparts unique flavors and characteristics to the Cognac. This aging period is essential in developing the complexity and depth that Cognac is known for.

The other choices do not accurately represent the specific processes involved in making Cognac. For example, while aging and blending are part of the overall Cognac production, they occur after distillation rather than standing as separate primary steps. Additionally, processing grains is not applicable as Cognac is exclusively made from grapes.