START-UP ADVICE

’ 2013
atic, fresh young wine
, and is particularly
té.
Morgon Château des Jacques 2011
Perfect with Italian dishes and charcuterie platters when young,
and venison when put down for a few years, this 100% gamay
wine is smooth, well rounded, aromatic and fruity. Morgon is one
of the 10 ‘Crus’ of the Beaujolais, and this a fine example.
£14.99 Taylors Fine Wine, Bin 21, Dickens House of Wine
COGNAC FRAPIN
LAUNCHES 1988
VINTAGE
A new, 25-year old, cognac has been launched by
Domaines Frapin: Cognac Frapin Millésime 1988. It joins a
portfolio of other Frapin fine vintages, all boasting superb
ageing and exceptional quality.
The grapes were exclusively harvested from an area
on the Frapin estate known as ‘Chez Piet’ - characterised
by its chalky and clayey soil and crumbly chalky subsoil,
typical of the Grande Champagne terroir. It was distilled
and aged for a quarter century in oak barrels, then
blended and bottled in the heart of the Frapin family
estate. This estate has been cultivated by the family
for eight centuries and has 240 hectares of Grande
Champagne vines. Today Frapin’s cellar master Patrice
Piveteau tends it.
The authenticity of Cognac Frapin Millésime 1988 is
validated by the BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionel
du Cognac), which strictly monitors the seals on the
casks.
Piveteau attributes 1988’s low yields and hot, dry,
weather resulting in good grape maturation to the quality
of this cognac. “The aromatic specifications of these eaux
de vie, as well as their structure and balance, were key
in determining our choice to produce a vintage straight
after distillation.” He says.
In the glass, the cognac displays a lovely clear orange
colour with yellow glints. On the nose there is a nicely
balanced bouquet of candied fruits and nuts, figs, dried
apricots and prune. This is followed by the soft, woody
aromas, rancio and cigar box notes, so typical of Grande
Champagne cognacs. Time and patience have also
allowed this vintage to develop fine leather notes.
It is on the palate where this exceptional cognac comes
into its own; a smooth and supple palate with finesse and
complexity associated with good grape maturation. It has
an exceptionally long finish, characteristic of distillation
on lees.
At 41.5% Alc, Cognac Frapin Millésime 1988 is packed
in outers of six in a 70
cl bottle with gift box. It
is a numbered, limited
edition of just 1000 and
is expected to retail for
around £160.
Cognac Frapin is
distributed in the UK
exclusively by McKinley
Vintners (Tel: + 44 20 7928
7300).
www.cognac-frapin.com
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