Ciroc Vodka

Diageo claims that Cîroc is distinguished from other vodkas by the fact that they derive it from grapes, rather than using corn, sorghum, rye, wheat, or potatoes. Since they distill the product at 96% and do not age it, it fulfills the qualities of a vodka. The production method used for Cîroc vodka are "snap frost" grapes; Mauzac Blanc from the Gaillac region of France, and Ugni Blanc from the Cognac region. The juice extracted from these grapes is fermented. Although all vodkas are distilled, the manufacturers of Cîroc vodka emphasize that theirs is distilled five times. The first four distillations of the Ugni Blanc take place in stainless steel column stills; the Mauzac Blanc grapes are distilled in copper continuous stills. These are distilled as far as 96.5% and 93.5%, then blended together, with 95% being Ugni Blanc and 5% being Mauzac Blanc. The final distillation is performed in a traditional Armagnac style copper pot still.