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The cognac Frapin 1270 Premier Cru
Discover the Cognac Frapin 1270 Premier Cru, Cognac Grande Champagne AOC | I recently delved into the fascinating and, for me, relatively new world of cognac. I wanted to learn more and dispel the common misconceptions about cognac ("too expensive," "a luxury drink," "only suitable for older people by the fireplace" ;-)). Cognac, just like gin and other spirits, is incredibly versatile and ideal for cocktails. To learn more and, of course, to sample it extensively, I chose the Cognac Frapin 1270 Premier Cru. Let me convince you that this spirit deserves to be the foundation of your cocktails in so many ways and easily rivals any gin. I'll also explain how to best enjoy cognac and why, whenever you fancy a good cocktail, there's no need to hesitate to reach for a bottle of cognac.
The ideal mixer! Here with 30 milliliters of Campari and 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup.
Discover Cognac Frapin
To fully appreciate a dish or a drink like Cognac Frapin 1270 Premier Cru, I believe a little background knowledge is always necessary. Cognac is a very versatile spirit, enjoyed worldwide and made from grapes. In the case of Cognac Frapin, the story is particularly fascinating, as the Frapin family has lived in the heart of the Grande Champagne region for 21 (!) generations, since 1270 – the very place where the wonderful spirits of Cognac Frapin are produced.
Frapin's story began as winegrowers, but the art of Cognac distillation was soon added. Today, the Frapin family's vineyards cover approximately 240 hectares – roughly the size of 336 football fields – making it the largest in the Grand Champagne region, the top site classified as "Premier Grand Cru" in the Cognac area.
Domaine Frapin is home to the family's ancestral estate, Château Fontpinot, and lies just outside the town of Segonzac – renowned for producing some of the finest wines and spirits in the entire Grande Champagne region. The Frapin family has successfully capitalized on this ideal location, combining all the advantages of this perfect setting in their products – in short: producing legendary and exceptional Cognac.
Let's take a look at the production. Here, too, Frapin sets high standards, and its Cognac distillate matures for four to five years. (For all Cognac novices: The law stipulates a maturation period of "only" two years for a VS Cognac). Furthermore, the finest Limousin oak is used for maturation, and a quarter of the total distillate is aged in new oak barrels.
Far from being just for "old men" – my cognac cocktail really lifts your spirits!
Enjoy the Frapin 1270 Premier Cru Cognac
Now to my choice, the Cognac Frapin 1270 Premier Cru. What makes it special? – As mentioned, the grapes for the Cognac Frapin 1270 come 100% from the Frapin family's own vineyards and are therefore directly from the heart of the Grande Champagne region. After distillation, the aging process takes place in Limousin oak barrels for up to five years. The distillate is stored in centuries-old wine cellars on the family estate.
If you want to taste cognac like the "pros" do, it starts with the choice of glass. Ideally, use a nosing glass or a classic snifter. With a nosing glass, your nose will best perceive all the aromas of the cognac, while with a classic snifter, the alcoholic aromas will be more prominent – the choice is yours. When you pour the Frapin 1270 into your cognac glass, you'll be greeted by warm, golden reflections and a beautiful play of colors. Pour approximately 25 milliliters of your Frapin 1270 for tasting. Important: When tasting spirits, including cognac, avoid swirling the glass too much beforehand, as this causes the alcohol to rise to the top, leaving you tasting only alcohol. Therefore, swirl your cognac only gently.
First, of course, you smell the cognac and visually examine its color. Start by looking at the surface of the glass. You can also hold it up to the light and tilt it to see if the color changes. The more you practice and examine, the faster you'll be able to tell, simply by its color, whether it's a good cognac, like Frapin 1270, or a simpler one. As a rule of thumb: the darker the color and the more notes of gold and amber, the older (and more valuable) the cognac.
Whether as a cocktail ingredient or classically in a cognac glass: The COGNAC FRAPIN 1270 impresses in every respect.
Next, your nose comes into play. To smell it, gently swirl the glass and move your cognac slightly (not too vigorously!). Hold the cognac to your nose and inhale deeply. In the case of my Frapin 1270 Premier Cru cognac, I perceived notes of wine and linden blossom, followed by a hint of vanilla. The same principle applies to the nose as to sight: the more you smell, the better you can recognize just how multifaceted cognac is. Usually, several layers of aroma unfold when you smell it.
Of course, it's also a pleasure served neat and "classically" in a cognac snifter.
To taste, take a small sip and hold it in your mouth. Swirl the cognac around and try to identify the different aromas. Again, high-quality cognacs generally offer a wide range of flavors. The Frapin 1270 cognac is very harmonious on the palate, well-rounded with good density and excellent balance. Delicate aromas of vanilla and toast are complemented by a pleasant and subtle freshness.
Only after you've thoroughly savored the cognac should you swallow it. The enjoyment therefore takes place in the mouth. Incidentally, cognac is always drunk in small sips so that each one can fully develop its aromas. I recommend that you enjoy cognac, thanks to its rich aromatics, not only as a digestif but also as a base for sophisticated cocktails. By the way: Better cognacs, like my Frapin 1270, are usually enjoyed neat. Cognac and cognac-based drinks pair perfectly with rich dishes, cheese platters, and perhaps a cigar.
Cocktail creations with Frapin cognac
Cognac cocktails are becoming increasingly popular – a sign that confirms the steadily rising popularity of good cognacs. More and more bars are also adding cognac cocktails to their menus. All the better, then, that the Frapin 1270 Premier Cru cognac is ideally suited for creating fantastic cocktails and aperitifs, such as the cocktails "„„Aspiration for apricot“, „"Alabazam"“ or "„La Conga Blicoti“to create. On the Cognac Frapin YouTube channel, you'll find numerous ways to mix a variety of cocktails with Frapin's excellent cognacs. If you'd like to start with a simple creation, mix 30 milliliters of Cognac Frapin 1270 Premier Cru with 30 milliliters of Campari and 1/4 teaspoon of maple syrup – a mix that a true cognac connoisseur showed me and that I also found very tasty. Here's my favorite:
Three gold medals for Cognac Frapin
Congratulations!
Last but not least, and so you know exactly how good Frapin cognacs are, we're pleased to announce that Cognac Frapin has once again won three awards at international competitions this year with its Premier Cru cognacs from the Grande Champagne AOC. At the International Spirits Challenge, both the Cognac Frapin VSOP and the Cognac Frapin Château Fonpinot XO (already named Cognac of the Year at this year's ISW) impressed the judges. Each received a gold medal. The third gold medal was won by the Cognac Frapin Extra at The Cognac Masters in the XO – Single Estate category by The Spirit Business – the annual highlight of the cognac industry. Three cognacs, three wins – congratulations, and we hope you enjoy discovering them!
Dare to try it and get a bottle of cognac for your home bar. A good bottle of cognac, like my choice, the Frapin 1270 Premier Cru, can be had for around €35 – similar to a good gin. Cognac is ideal for mixing and is neither old-fashioned nor "too expensive," but rather modern and extremely versatile. You'll see, your courage to try something new in your glass will be rewarded. Don't worry if you haven't yet had any experience with cognac and cognac cocktails – there's no "right or wrong." It's all about trying new things and discovering how wonderfully cognac can be used as a cocktail base and ingredient. Want to try it? – You can buy Frapin at specialty retailers. Have fun!
+++ This article was created in cooperation with Cognac Frapin. Thank you! +++
COGNAC FRAPIN 1270 PREMIER CRU, COGNAC GRANDE CHAMPAGNE AOC
Pictures:
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- Frapin Cognac
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- Congratulations! Three gold medals for three Frapin cognacs!
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- The best way to enjoy Cognac Frapin 1270 is neat in a swirl glass.
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- Look, smell, swirl, taste – pure enjoyment!
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