Appellation
All Cognac can be recognised by its label which faithfully represents the appellation and length of maturation of the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend. A Cognac can be sold as soonas its youngest eau-de-vie is at least 2 and a half years old (from the 1st October of the year of harvest). In order to establish the age of the Cognac only the years spent in barrel count, as once the spirit/Cognac is transferred into bottle, the product ceased to age. Thus a VS (Very Special) ou Selection is concerned with a Cognac whose youngest eau-de-vie is at least 2 and a half years old; a VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) is a Cognac whose youngest eau-de-vie is at least 4 and a half years old; a Napoleon XO (extra old) or "Hors d"Age" is a Cognac whose youngest eau-de-vie is at least 6 and a half years old. The best Cognac houses allow their eaux-de-vie much longer in cask than the minimum requirement. The longer it matures, the more the Cognac gains in complexity, aroma, perfume and taste. It is at the end of 50 years that it can attain its perfection.