Grape spirits

Grape spirits are distilled alcoholic beverages produced from grapes or grape-derived materials, including brandy, grappa, pisco and Cognac. Distillation concentrates the ethanol and volatile aroma compounds of the fermented base. Quality depends on the raw material and distillation method, with pot stills giving richer character and column stills lighter spirits, and ageing in oak adding further complexity. They are produced under spirit regulations on strength, labelling and maturation, and distillers control cuts carefully to keep desirable congeners while excluding harsh fractions.