brandy
A liquor distilled (see distillation) from wine and aged in wood, which contributes flavor and color. The finest of all brandies is Cognac, closely followed by Armagnac. The name brandy comes from the Dutch brandewijin, meaning “burned (distilled) wine.” brandy can also be made from fermented fruits other than grapes (such as the apple-based Calvados), but they are generally qualified by adding the name of the fruit, as in apple brandy. The term brandy by itself generally refers to those made from grapes. Among the grape-based eaux de vie are eau de vie de marc (from marc), eau de vie de lie (from lees), and eau de vie de vin (from wine). Probably the two most popular eaux de vie in the world are Kirsch (from cherries) and Framboise (from raspberries).
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.