GG_N54_IT-web

SPIRITS
SUCCESS STORY
CHÂTEAU FONTPINOT
THE DRY VINTAGE CELLAR AT COGNAC FRAPIN
What used to be referred to as an after-dinner
drink is no longer necessarily saved for
post-prandial occasions. This change in drinking
patterns could well have undermined the industry,
but instead of that, it has proven itself to be dynamic.
Armagnac, Cognac and gin producers remain true to
their values whilst developing a well-stocked range
of products with undeniable flavour qualities that
match current consumer demand. Armagnac, which
has been marketed since the 16th century and is a
flagship of the French lifestyle, has dusted off its
image and enjoys the kind of success that would have
been unthinkable a few years ago. Now produced in
numerous countries, gin flirts with fashion, stoked
by the emergence of success-hungry brands in a
highly competitive marketplace. Admittedly, the
combined effects of an economic slowdown, the
impact of inflation and overstocking by distributors,
particularly in the United States, led to a decline in
2022, but international markets remain sizeable.
“Cognac symbolises French excellence, for connoisseurs
and the world’s top barmen”, claims Christophe
Veral, chairman of the Cognac marketing
board BNIC. “Sophisticated marketing supports its
recognition and aims to raise awareness and exposure
to its unique character, diversity and aromatic
intensity crafted by many companies and producers,
each with its own signature style”. Just like gin and
Armagnac, approximately 70% of the time Cognac
is drunk in the cocktail space. The figure illustrates
the popularity of mixology, an undeniable advantage
for three spirits that certainly capture the zeitgeist.
COGNAC
COGNAC FRAPIN:
AN HISTORIC COMPANY
Set in the heart of Grande Champagne, Frapin, a
company whose family origins date back to 1270,
embodies the essence of Cognac. Its long-standing
expertise scales the heights of excellence. This
family-owned property covers 240 hectares of vines
farmed to the highest standards using artisanal
methods that have been passed down over time
70 WINTER 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE