Brandy is made all over the world, but only brandy made in the Cognac region of France, and under the strictest guidelines, can be called “Cognac.” The Cognac region stretches over two regions in western France, Charente-Maritime (bordering the Atlantic Ocean) and Charente). There are six growth areas designated for producing Cognac. Listed in descending order of ageing potential and quality, they are as follows: Grand Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois, and Bois Ordinaires.

Each region is a different AOC that produces Cognac of varying characteristics and ageing potentials. The term “Fine Champagne” is an AOC that refers to a Cognac composed of Grande and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie, with at least 50% Grande Champagne.

Even within the defined region, if a Cognac is produced that fails to meet any of the strict criteria set down by the BNIC—Bureau National Interprofessionel du Cognac—it may not be called Cognac.