Cognac is a spirit made from white wine of specific grape varietals (mostly Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Folle Blanche, Folignan, Montils and Sémillon) that is also designated under a controlled designation of origin. The Dutch, particularly fond of wine and already possessing a good knowledge of distillation between the 15th and 16th centuries, produced a single distillation wine brandy called Brandewijn (Origin of the name Brandy). As its modern-day heir, Cognac is now known to everyone and gaining momentum on the American market every day. Europe and China share most of the production on an equitable basis, for around 60% of global market representation. Six vintages will derive their classification directly from the area where the vines are grown: Premier Crus, Grande Champagne (the most elegant cognacs), Petite Champagne (very high quality cognac); Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois. The denomination of cru is only granted if all the Cognacs assembled come from the mentioned cru: 3 stars, VS, Selection (2 years minimum) Cuvée/qualité supérieure (3 years minimum), VSOP, Vieux, Rare, Roya (4 years minimum), Vieille Réserve, Réserve rare (minimum 5 years), Napoleon, Heritage, Excellence (minimum 6 years), XO, Ancestor, Imperial (10 years minimum), XXO: 14 years minimum.