Editing Cognac (section)

==Producing regions==
[[File:Map of Cognac Regions3.svg|thumb|300px|Map of the Cognac region]]
Cognac is also classified by ''[[Cru (wine)|crus]]'', tightly defined geographic denominations where the grapes are grown. Their distinctive soils and [[microclimate]]s produce ''eaux de vie'' with characteristics particular to their specific location.

* '''''Grande Champagne''''' ({{convert|13766|ha|disp=semicolon}}) The soils in Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne are characterized as shallow clay-limestone, over limestone and chalk.<ref name="Decree 2011-685">{{cite web|url=http://www.cognac.fr/bases/actualites_bnic.nsf/db36e34958fb8821c125767000551e09/5f64835279d272a9c125768f00582cf8/$FILE/joe_20110618_0140_002513725.pdf|title=Décret n° 2011-685 du 16 juin 2011 relatif à l'appellation d'origine contrôlée "Cognac" ou "Eau-de-vie de Cognac" ou "Eau-de-vie des Charentes" (MINISTÈRE DE L'AGRICULTURE, DE L'ALIMENTATION, DE LA PÊCHE, DE LA RURALITÉ ET DE L'AMÉNAGEMENT DU TERRITOIRE, June 2011)|access-date=24 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417112702/http://www.cognac.fr/bases/actualites_bnic.nsf/db36e34958fb8821c125767000551e09/5f64835279d272a9c125768f00582cf8/$FILE/joe_20110618_0140_002513725.pdf|archive-date=17 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* '''''Petite Champagne''''' ({{convert|16171|ha|disp=semicolon}}) ''Petite Champagne eaux de vie'' have similar characteristics to those from Grande Champagne. Cognacs made from a mixture of ''Grande'' and ''Petite Champagne eaux de vie'' (with at least 50% Grande Champagne) may be marketed as "Fine Champagne".<ref name="Decree 2011-685" />
* '''''Borderies''''' ({{convert|4160|ha|disp=semicolon}}) The smallest ''cru''. This denomination's soil contains clay and flint stones resulting from the decomposition of limestone.<ref name="Decree 2011-685" />
* '''''Fins Bois''''' ({{convert|34265|ha|disp=semicolon}}) Heavier and faster aging ''eaux de vie'' ideal for establishing the base of some blended cognacs. The soils here are predominantly red clay-limestone and very stony, or otherwise heavy clay soils.<ref name="Decree 2011-685" />
* '''''Bons Bois''''' and '''''Bois Ordinaires''''' (together {{convert|19979|ha|disp=semicolon}}). Further out from the four central growth areas are these two growing regions. With a poorer soil and very much influenced by the maritime climate, this area is 20,000 hectares.
* '''''Bois à terroirs''''' The soils of Les Bois (Bons Bois, Bois Ordinaires, and Bois à terroirs) are sandy, spanning coastal areas and some valleys.<ref name="Decree 2011-685" />

The cognac-producing regions called Champagne should not be confused with the northeastern region of [[Champagne, France|Champagne]], a [[Champagne (wine region)|wine region]] that produces [[Champagne (wine)|sparkling wine by that name]], although they do share a common [[etymology]].