Cognac Frapin Cuvée 1888 – a Truly Exceptional Blend

Added: (Wed Sep 14 2005)

Pressbox (Press Release) - For Immediate Release: 14 September 2005
Cognac Frapin Cuvée 1888 is probably the rarest blend of cognac to be launched in many years. It is selected from the most precious stock, some of which even predates 1888, passed down through the generations and a tribute to the extraordinary achievements of company founder Pierre Frapin, the original owner of one of the leading Grande Champagne Premier Grand Cru vineyards in Cognac.

In 1888 he replanted the vineyard decimated by phylloxera with American rootstock from Denison Texas. That same year, he was preparing to participate in the World Fair of 1889 in Paris. As Gustave Eiffel was entering the final stages of construction of his famous tower, Pierre Frapin was busy selecting the cuvee that would be awarded a gold medal. This Gold Medal is still kept in the "Eiffel Cellar" at the Frapin estate in Segonzac, where Eiffel was subsequently commissioned to design a commemorative “chai” which today remains a local landmark.

A blend of very old Grande Champagne cognacs distilled on their lees and kept in the tranquil dark cellars of the Château de Fontpinot, Cuvée 1888 has superb floral notes of the Folle Blanche grape, which is no longer used for making cognac.

The Cuvée, composed by Olivier Paultes who has been house cellar master for the last 20 years, shows amazing character. Powerful yet subtle, it combines history with blending expertise resulting in a tribute to Cognac’s Grande Champagne Premier Grand Cru vineyards.

“Breeding, distinction, a sumptuous bouquet and profound sensuousness are the hallmarks of this exceptional cognac.” Says Beatrice Cointreau, Cognac Frapin CEO.


“Its highly complex aromas show notes of dried fruit, walnuts and hazelnuts, raisins and prune with candied orange and enchanting balsamic, roasted, toasty notes of cocoa and tonka beans and coffee. The heart is a sublime harmony of vine flowers with a splash of everlasting flowers mingling with the sweetness of linden on a background of pepper, sweet spice, summer flower honey and vanilla, leather and precious woods.”

Such a rare Frapin Cognac could only be housed in a fine crystal decanter – and this is designed in the shape of a spinning top. “It is like the ones used on board the ships that exported cognac around the world and whose curves reflect the smoothness of the cognac inside.” Adds Beatrice Cointreau. “Fashioned from blown glass at the Cristalleries Royales de Champagne, the decanter has a 24 carat fine gold thread that winds around it, representing the spiral of time, cognac swirling in the glass and whisps of steam emerging from the still. A world of heady emotions! This spiralling thread and the 24 carat fine gold stopper were made by Les Etains d'Anjou.”

The decanter is contained in a decorative wooden gift box. A small drawer in the base holds an unusual fob watch with a flick mechanism, a reproduction of a model designed in 1888, gilded with fine gold. When the lid is opened, the watch reveals a solid perfume concentrate of the Pierre Frapin fragrance for the home. “This perfume will create the ideal scent environment in which to savour this unique cognac.” She adds.

A limited edition of only 1,888 of these 700 ml decanters in wooden gift boxes will be produced, ensuring that they become collectors’ items.

Priced at around £3,000, it is available from Harrods and other fine wine and spirit retailers. It is distributed by McKinley Vintners. Tel 020 7928 7300 or visit www.mckinleyvintners.co.uk

ENDS

For further information please contact Alison Jee on 020 8744 0744 or email frapin@alisonjee.co.uk