[KON-yak]; Hailing from in and around the town of Cognac in western France, this potent potable is the finest of all brandies.  Cognac is double-distilled immediately after fermentation.  It then begins its minimum 3 year aging in Limousin oak.  Stars on a cognac label denote the following oak aging: 1 star - 3 years; 2 stars - at least 4 years; 3 stars - at least 5 years.  Older cognacs are labeled V.S. (very superior), V.S.O.P. (very superior old pale), V.V.S.O.P (very very superior old pale).  A cognac label can no longer legally claim over 7 years aging.  It's been difficult for authorities to accurately keep track of Cognacs aged longer than this, so they've limited what producers may claim.  Label terms X.O., Extra and Reserve usually indicate a Cognac is the oldest a producer distributes.  Fine champagne on the label indicates that 60 percent of the grapes came from a superior grape-growing section of Cognac called Grande Champagne.  One designated grande fine champagne proclaims that all the grapes for that cognac came from that eminent area.

[source: 'The New Food Lovers Companion']