Cognac Frapin is rarity among cognac producers – this family-owned, centuries-old dynasty releases only estate-produced and bottled cognac. Frapin owns 741-acres of land in the Cognac area of Charentes, including over 500 acres of Premier Cru de Cognac vineyards planted with superior Ugni-Blanc grapes in the Grande Champagne region. This constitutes by far the largest single vineyard in the heart of this top-rated appellation. Unlike many of its fellow producers, Frapin does not turn to outside growers for grapes and is able to apply the most exacting standards of quality control at every level of production, starting on the vines. Frapin cognacs are, as a result, the epitome of excellence.
The Frapin family can trace its ties to Charentes in southwest France as far back as the year 1270. With centuries of unrivalled tradition and experience, it is the acknowledged leader in the production of exceptional, premium-quality cuvees. Today, this illustrious company is under the creative direction of Geneviève Frapin, her husband Max Cointreau and their son Jean-Pierre Cointreau. In 1994, Frapin added to its luxury portfolio with the purchase of the equally historic, Champagne Gosset.
Cognac Frapin’s Extra Grande Champagne is a legendary blend of Frapin family reserves, with an average barrel age of 40-50 years.
Production Area
From Frapin’s top-rated Grande Champagne vineyard.
Grape Varieties
100% Ugni Blanc
Vinification
At Frapin no more than 2 hours are allowed to lapse between harvest and pressing. Frapin cognacs undergo an entirely natural fermentation: no cultivated yeasts are added. To retain freshness of fruit, filtration is not permitted at Frapin. Distillation is conducted in one of Frapin’s four special Charentes copper stills. Frapin cognacs are subject to a double-distillation process. Aging is conducted in Limousin oak casks.
Frapin utilizes dry-cellar aging for Extra. The Dry cellaring allows more evaporation of water than alcohol which leaves the cognac more refined and elegant. Frapin was the first house, and for some time the only, utilizing dry-cellar aging.
Color
Acacia, hints of copper
Bouquet
Very sweet, complex and subtle; old Port mixed with the perfume of wooden cigar boxes, typical of the old Grande Champagne of this age
Taste
Magnificent palate that recalls toasted walnuts, dried fruit and old leather; exceptional in length
Alcohol
40%