barrels. Brandy Brandy is produced by distilling Wine. The word Brandy was derived from the Dutch word Brandewijn which means 'burnt wine'. Brandy is also produced from fermented fruits other than grapes, which in French typically called eaux-de-vie. If brandy is made from fruits other than grape it is referred to as fruit brandy or by using the name of the fruit. For example apple brandy or pomace brandy . Fruit brandy usually contains 40 -45% alcohol by volume. Brandy has a traditional quality rating system and these indicators can usually be found on the label near the brand name: A.C.: aged two years in wood. V.S.: "Very Special" or 3-Star, aged at least three years in wood. V.S.O.P.: "Very Superior Old Pale" or 5-Star, aged at least five years in wood. X.O.: "Extra Old", Napoleon or Vieille Reserve, aged at least six years, Napoleon at least four years. Vintage: Stored in the cask until the time it is bottled with the label showing the vintage date. Hors d'age: These are too old to determine the age, although ten years plus is typical. Cognac Brandy Cognac is produced in the wine growing region surrounding the town of 'Cognac' in France. It production methods should meet certain legal requirements. It must be made from specific grapes and present time it is made from Ugni Blanc grapes. Cognac must be twice distilled in copper pots. Once distillation is complete, Cognac must be aged in oak for at least two years before it