Louis Latour Agencies
Producers
Frapin Cognac
Vineyards and Production
Vineyards and Winemaking
Cognac Frapin’s domaine is located entirely within the Grande Champagne appellation. It is the largest single domaine in the region and their whole production comes entirely from the domaine.
The domaine has 240 hectares of vines planted with Ugni Blanc. The vineyards are managed sustainably and the vines cultivated traditionally with respect for the natural balance of the soil and vines. Vine cuttings and distillation residues are returned to the soil and when vines are re-planted the land is left fallow for a minimum of seven years to allow the natural ecosystem to thrive and to ensure the old roots are entirely eliminated.
Patrice Piveteau manages Frapin’s domaine. The grapes are all harvested by hand and the whole bunches are pressed. The unfiltered grape juice undergoes a natural fermentation and becomes Vin de Charente.
Distillation
The Vin de Charente produced by Patrice Piveteau will be distilled and eventually transformed into Cognac by Frapin’s master distillers Gilles Lardant and Alex Cosson. Cognac is distilled twice and at Frapin this takes place on lees in six Charentais red copper stills. The first distillation results in an unclear alcohol of around 28°. This alcohol is distilled for a second time and it is the heart of the distillation that is captured to produce fine eaux de vies that will be be matured in one of Frapin’s Chais.
Maturation
Frapin Cognacs are matured in Limousin oak casks on the domaine. Cellar Master Patrice Piveteau is responsible for the Cognacs as they age and chooses the location of each cask based in the atmospheric conditions in different parts of their warehouses. At Frapin there are two floors; the ground floor which has greater humidity and the attics which are drier; these two factors have a clear impact on the character of the final Cognac.
At Frapin recently distilled eaux de vies are matured in new casks for the first quarter of their maturation period after which they are transferred to older ones. Frapin’s rich colour comes only from contact with the wooden cask.
The final task is for Patrice to select and blend each expression of Frapin and to maintain a consistent style and quality.