The 1888 Vintage - the secret of the rarest elixirs - click to view

An exceptional carafe, a jewel of crystal preserving the secret of a rare vintage. The assemblage of this ‘Cuvée 1888’ is from Cognacs aged in our ‘Paradise’ storehouse.

Some of these Cognacs are even older than 1888. They have been kept for generation after generation and are a testimony to the mastery of the late and great Monsieur Pierre Frapin.

Offered in a limited series of 1888 bottles, the carafe  was inspired as a homage to Pierre Frapin. In 1888, with his vineyard successfully rejuvenated, he prepared for the Universal Exhibition, for which Gustave Eiffel had just completed his famous tower. Pierre Frapin selected some of his ‘cuvées’ and received the Gold Medal at this famous exhibition. This Gold Medal is still proudly  on display in the Eiffel Storehouse of our Château.

This assemblage of very old Grande Champagne Cognacs is in fact cognacs issued from the mythic Folle Blanche varietal, a varietal that has completely disappeared in modern times. This Folle Blanche lives up to its myth: surprising floral aromas, it’s a Cognac both powerful and subtle. It is a celebration as it is a flourishing achievement of ancestral know-how.

 

This Cuvée of great distinction has developed a sumptuous and profound sensuality. Its aromatic palette is astonishingly complex: dried fruits, nuts, raisins, prunes, candied oranges, and towering waves of torrified cacao, tonka beans and coffee. The heart of its character is a sublime harmony of vineyard flowers, a flash of scents of the lime tree, pepper, soft spices, white honey, vanilla, leather, and tropical woods.

 

For this historic Cuvée, Frapin Cognac has commissioned the design of an original carafe of elegant and pure form. Produced by the Cristalleries Royales de Champagne, the carafe is decorated by a 24 carat golden line. Its spiral shape recalls Cognac’s slow ageing through time and the preparatory turning of cognac in a glass. Pewtersmiths Etains d’Anjou created this golden line as also they did the golden cork.

 

Presented in a highly refined Gift Box of a ‘Cognac cellar’ form. The wood textures recall the warm atmospheres of Cognac and Havana cigars. Its base contains a small draw where one will find a reproduction of a 1888 watch. Opening the watch a special perfume is released, ideal to accompany tastings.