This recipe is for the double dish slow cooker, which requires water to be placed in the cooking vessel while cooking in the insert pan (like a double boiler). When making in the cooking vessel, no water is needed.
Straw wine. Straw wine, or raisin wine, is a wine made from grapes that have been dried to concentrate their juice. The result is similar to that of the ice wine process, but suitable for warmer climates.
Cognac is probably the most popular brandy in the world. It is exclusive to the Cognac region of France and is made from three types of grapes: Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Colombard. These grapes produce tart wines with low alcohol content, perfect for making Cognac.