The cognac region is characterised by the great diversity of its soils : uncovered champagne plains with chalky soil, stony red-soiled plains and green valleys separating hillsides and marshlands, crossed by woods of various species of trees. There is only one zone which carries the "Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée", but there is more than just one type of cognac. This zone is itself divided into different vintage regions which have each their own characteristics.

The 5 vintage regions spread in concentric circles around Segonzac and Cognac. They are the heart of the country which produce the most beautiful spirit in the world.

 The Grande Champagne
 The Petite Champagne
 The Borderies
 The Fins Bois or Fine Woods
 The Bons Bois
 The Bois Ordinaires

The Grande-Champagne
13,766 hectares* of vineyards

Situated in the heart of the cognac region, Grande-Champagne is the most prestigious cognac vintage. It has a very specific type of soil called the campus (where many fossils are to be found) The quality, complexity and longevity of the spirits that see the day on the hillsides just to the south of Segonzac, "the capital of the Grande-Champagne vintage region", are unequalled anywhere in the world. There, the climatic conditions are the most favourable, protected to the west from the vicissitudes of an oceanic climate and to the east from the continental climate. Grande-Champagne spirits distinguish themselves by the floral dominance of its fragrance which is reminiscent of the vine's flower, dried vine shoot or even dried lime tree leaves. Its bouquet is remarkable. After ageing, the aromas grow and mature. Floral scents turn into fruity aromas.

* 1 hectare = 2,47 acres

The Petite-Champagne
16.171 hectares

This large semi-circle covers an area whose soil, called "santonian" (chalk of Saintes) is very rich in limestone. A few regions in the Petite-Champagne produce a Cognac that may equal and even surpass the quality of some Grande-Champagne Cognacs (especially on the Archiac hillsides). It also distinguishes itself by a dominating floral and somewhat fruity scent but the bouquet is much shorter.

The Borderies
4.160 hectares

This enclave of vineyards to the north of Cognac produces excellent nutty flavoured spirits on a decalcification soil. Some houses use it as a base for their best cognacs. A collection of suave scents brings to mind the floral fragrance of a bunch of violets or irises. Very finely scented, Borderies spirits have the added ability to age and mature faster than that of Champagne.

The Fins Bois or Fine Woods
34.265 hectares

Forming a large ring with various types of soil, this region produces cognacs of many different qualities. The best of them see the light on hard limestony soils to the north-east and south-east. Fins Bois spirits are heavier and age rapidly but their fruitiness, roundness and smoothness on the palate are what give them their charm.

* 1 hectare = 2,47 acres

The Bons Bois and Bois Ordinaires
19.979 hectares
(Good Woods and Ordinary Woods)