In June, when the grape trees' flowers quietly bloom, the wonderful transformation during the flowering period begins. For Cognac production, this is an important stage for the vines and gives the first indications of the year's harvest.

As the delicate flower caps slowly fall, the first traces of grape fruits emerge. Depending on the weather each year, this critical stage typically lasts three to five days. In this short span of time, every day is a silent effort by the grape trees to nurture high-quality grape varieties such as Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Folle Blanche.

The June flowering period is like a hidden overture, playing the prelude to Cognac brewing among the branches of the grape trees. These fledgling fruits quivering in the breeze will eventually carry the marks of sunshine and rain, distilling the essence of time into an amber-colored fine Cognacs.

Photo: Aurelien TERRADE