Cognac Frapin – 15 Years Grande Champagne 70 cl. 45,3%

Composed of vintage cognac which is min. 15 years old and made exclusively from Ugni Blanc grapes, which are grown in the vineyards of Domaine Frapin. During the entire production – both during the distillation and maturation – these cognacs are kept separate from the other cuvées, selected for their lightness and purity. De Cuveer, which is intended to be included in 15 Years Old Cognac, is first matured for 6 months in new wooden casks from Limousin, in order to emphasize and preserve the immediate fruit tones of the young cognacs. This is followed by maturation for 10 years in 5-20 year old wooden casks, 8 years in so-called “chaix secs” – dry attics, where both part of the alcohol and especially the water evaporates (as at Château Fontpinot, by the way). These dry attics give more intense and at the same time more delicate and aromatic notes in cognac. In the remaining two years, Cognac is matured in more humid cellars, where only the alcohol evaporates (3% annually – “la part des anges” – the angels’ share) and thereby acquires more roundness and charm. Finally, 15 Years Old Cognac gets min. 5 years in older wooden casks. The entire process takes place “Sur Lie” (with its own precipitate). According to current legislation in Cognac, this Cognac has been stored under lock and key (and under the control of the authorities) since it was distilled. 15 Years Old Cognac should be served at room temperature but not too hot. Its finesse and fruit are best brought out at normal temperature. It is recommended to give the cognac 2-3 minutes of oxygenation in the glass. You will then be able to enjoy an incredibly complex and intense Grande Champagne 1st Cru du Cognac with exotic nuances and an incomparable finesse. Some admire it for its finesse, others for its structured and almost “masculine” style. A complex case!

Few companies in Cognac can – like the Frapin family – carry the tradition of cognac production all the way back to the year 1270. Cognac Frapin has the rare honor of being the largest vineyard owner in the Grande Champagne district. In addition to the 200 ha. vineyards, all of which are in the Grande Champagne area, Frapin also owns one of the most beautiful and famous properties in the 1. Cru: Château Fontpinot on 147 ha. You can’t imagine a better location. Château Fontpinot is both one of the most remarkable and one of the largest estates.

One explanation for the exquisite product is the art involved in mixing cognac. Even Frapin’s 1270 – the most modest of the company’s cognac series – is composed exclusively of Grande Champagne cognac, and VSOP can additionally boast the designation 1. Cru du Cognac. Their aging in oak casks made from wood from the well-known Limousin forest makes it possible to blend and bottle unique products. The house works with a basement storage, which is damp and cold, and an attic storage, which is dry and warmer. This gives two completely different expressions, where the moisture evaporates more alcohol than water, and the dryness evaporates more water than alcohol.

Over the centuries, Cognac Frapin has built up a long tradition of good craftsmanship and stability in production, which is why they have a good reputation as a major distiller of luxury cognac.

At the same time as being a well-established cognac house with roots in history, they work a lot with the environment in Cognac. The house has just achieved the highest attainable designation HVE-3 for the conservation of biodiversity in and around their fields.