Very Special (VS)
Definition - What does Very Special (VS) mean?
"Very Special" Cognac, sometimes called "Three Stars," designates a
blend of the youngest brandy, stored for a minimum of 2
years in a cask. In the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system of Cognac in France, there are certain production methods which must be met. As with other wine regions in the country, Cognac is also ranked and labeled according to how it is produced. Very Special Cognacs are often used to make fortified and dessert wines.
WineFrog explains Very Special (VS)
In the AOC region of Cognac in southwestern France, each style of Cognac has specific labeling requirements which must be followed.
All Cognac must be made with a minimum of 90% of the Ugni blanc varietal, with the remaining percentage consisting of Folle Blanche and Colombard.
"Very Special" is the label of a certain young style of Cognac that has only been stored a minimum of 2 years in special casks. There are other labels which follow, according to the time the Cognac spends in their cask; "Very Superior Old Pale" (VSOP), "Extra Old" (XO), and Hors d'Age (aka beyond age).
