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NEWS
COGNAC
AN IMMERSIVE TOUR
OF FRAPIN COGNAC
The meeting place is the iconic facilities at Les Gabloteaux. The courtyard is
surrounded by cellars rebuilt in the 19 th century. The blackened walls provide
evidence of the constant evaporation of the share of Cognac gifted to the angels.
The visit begins with visitors taken to see the chalky soils and care lavished
on the grapes until they are fully ripe. Here, techniques move with the times,
and include mechanisation, soil science and High Environmental Value
endorsement. The wines are made in tall stainless steel tanks equipped with a
system enabling precise control over fermentation.
DISTILLATION
The fire roars beneath the impressive copper pot stills. The alcohol vapours escape
from the still head then the brandy runs out. From this point onwards, the art of
the cellarmaster comes into its own. The cellarmaster assesses the flavour and
aroma potential, thinks ahead to the maturation phase and directs the brandy
towards the right cellar.
THE CELLARS
The barrels are lined up beneath the cobwebs, the silent witnesses to Cognac’s
lengthy maturation. It is at this point that visitors invariably realise the handcrafted
aspect of Frapin Cognacs. Once revealed, its expertise creates the impression
of having entered into a secret, of knowing the outcome and being able to
savour something rare.
THE MUSEUM
The museum depicts the highlights of the family history. From the Eiffel cellar,
built in 1892, visitors plunge into the subdued light of the Paradis cellar where a
treasure awaits – ‘hors d’âge’ brandies in demi-johns. It’s now time for the tasting
and visitors can succumb to the charm of a Cognac XO (the company’s legacy)
or a vintage (Trésors du Château). The visit includes a tasting of four Cognacs
(excluding the ultra-high-end decanters Extra, Plume Frapin and Cuvée Rabelais).
NEW TOUR -‘EXPERTISE’
Open all year round by appointment, from Monday to Friday.
Duration: 1 ½ hours – Admission fee: €60 per person.
Bookings: +33 5 45 83 40 03 - visites@cognac-frapin.com
8 SPRING 2022 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE