Brandy

Brandy is a distilled alcoholic beverage made by distilling wine or fermented fruit cider. The word 'brandy' comes from the Dutch term 'brandewijn', which means 'burnt wine'. Brandy is usually made from grape wine, but it can also be made from various fruits such as apples, plums, cherries or apricots. After distillation, it is often aged in oak barrels, where it acquires a delicate flavour, colour and complexity.

The first written mention of wine distillation dates back to the 12th century in the Mediterranean area. Sailors began distilling wine to better preserve it during long voyages. The resulting distillate could later be diluted with water and served as wine. Gradually, however, people found that distilled wine, especially when aged in wooden casks, acquired a richer and more appealing flavour.

In the 16th to 17th centuries, the production of brandy spread throughout Europe, particularly in France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands. Dutch merchants made a significant contribution to the popularisation of brandy through their trade and distillation technology.

Today, brandy is synonymous with luxury and tradition, thanks to its rich history and variety of flavours.