Cognac, a region in southwest France that sits just north of the region of Bordeaux, is renowned for producing the world’s finest brandy, or “Cognac”. Champagne, a region in Northern France, is famous for its fine sparkling wines or “Champagne”.

Cognac and champagne are synonymous for fine brandy and sparkling wine, respectively. For a brandy to be called ‘Cognac’ or a sparkling wine ‘champagne’, however, the product must originate from these regions and, in the case of Cognac, must be produced in accordance with the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BINC) standards.