What type of Cognac is the highest quality designation?

Grand Champagne is recognized as the highest quality designation for Cognac. This designation indicates that the grapes used to produce the Cognac come from the Grand Champagne cru, which is the top-rated region for grape growing in the Cognac production area.

The Grand Champagne cru is known for its chalky soil, which is ideal for cultivating grapes with characteristics that result in premium spirits. The Cognacs produced from this region typically have exceptional aging potential, rich flavors, and complexity, leading to their esteemed reputation in the world of spirits.

Cognacs from other designations, such as Petite Champagne, Borderies, and Fins Bois, while still of good quality, do not match the standards and flavor profiles that are often associated with Grand Champagne. Petite Champagne, for instance, is the second-best designation and can produce excellent Cognac but lacks the same level of finesse and complexity. The remaining designations, Borderies and Fins Bois, while significant in their own right, yield Cognacs that may not achieve the intricacies and richness found in Grand Champagne.