Which specific grape variety is strictly mandated for use in the production of prestigious Cognac under AOC laws?
Answer
Ugni Blanc.
The authenticity and prestige of Cognac are heavily protected by the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) laws governing its production area in Southwest France. These regulations strictly dictate which raw materials can be used, including the specific grape varieties permitted for fermentation. Among these requirements, Ugni Blanc is the mandated grape used in the initial fermentation process before the liquid undergoes double-distillation and subsequent aging in oak barrels, such as those sourced from Limousin or Tronçais.
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