Hine is a cognac house based in Jarnac, in the heart of France's Cognac region. The house focuses exclusively on producing cognac from the Grande Champagne appellation, which is considered the premier cru of the Cognac region due to its chalky soils and optimal conditions for growing Ugni Blanc grapes.

Grande Champagne cognacs are distinguished by their exceptional aging potential and refined character. The chalky limestone soils in this appellation produce eaux-de-vie with remarkable finesse and longevity, developing complex floral and fruity notes over extended maturation periods. Cognacs from this region typically require longer aging to reach their full potential compared to those from other Cognac appellations.

The house's current offering includes an XO expression designated as 1er Cru, reflecting Grande Champagne's status as the first growth of Cognac. XO cognacs must be aged for a minimum of ten years, though many exceed this requirement significantly, developing the deep complexity and smoothness characteristic of well-aged Grande Champagne spirits.

Cognac is a distinctive brandy produced exclusively in the Cognac region of southwestern France, distilled from white wine grapes and aged in oak barrels. The spirit must be made from specific grape varieties, primarily Ugni Blanc, which provides the high acidity and low alcohol content ideal for distillation. After double distillation in traditional copper pot stills, cognac undergoes mandatory aging that determines its classification and character.

The Cognac appellation encompasses six growing areas, with Grande Champagne considered the most prestigious due to its chalky soils that produce grapes with exceptional aging potential. Production follows strict regulations governing everything from grape varieties to distillation methods and aging requirements. The classification system includes VS (aged minimum two years), VSOP (minimum four years), and XO (minimum ten years), though many producers age their spirits significantly longer to develop complexity.

Quality cognac displays a progression from the fruit-forward character of younger expressions to the deep, honeyed complexity found in well-aged bottlings. Established houses like Hennessy, Rémy Martin, Martell, and Courvoisier represent the commercial foundation of the region, while smaller producers such as Delamain, Hine, and Frapin often focus on single-vineyard expressions or extended aging programs that showcase the terroir's influence on the final spirit.