Download Complete Production Notes

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.
Frapin’s VSOP is the only internationally available VSOP cognac made exclusively from Premier Cru grapes. A blend with an average barrel age of 10-12 years from date of harvest – as opposed to a minimum 4 ½ years required by law.

Production Area
Grapes are harvested in early October at Frapin’s top-rated Grande Champagne vineyard, a week before most producers, to obtain higher levels of acidity. Young vines are fertilized the old-fashioned way with nothing more than cow manure and mulch from pulverized vine clippings.

Grape Varieties
100% Ugni Blanc

Vinification
At Frapin no more than two hours are allowed to elapse 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.

Color
Burnished gold

Bouquet
Scents of honey, spices, toasted hazelnut and a touch of vanilla

Taste
Elegant, rounded and well-balanced

Alcohol
40%