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NEWS<br />
FRAPIN 1990: TOTAL GRATIFICATION<br />
The 1990 vintage is a benchmark both for wines and brandies. This elegant, supple,<br />
polished and appetising Cognac in particular stems from a complex fusion of a unique<br />
terroir, time-honoured artistry and a passion for excellence.<br />
Frapin’s signature style is expressed in its voluptuously rich aromatics and endless length<br />
on the palate. It boasts unique character instilled by the climatic variations of that particular<br />
year in this hillside vineyard of Chez Piet. Obviously, it was harvested, distilled on the<br />
lees and matured at the estate. The 1990 vintage encapsulates the subtle site-expressiveness<br />
of the Grande Champagne vineyards. Don’t forget to leave it in the glass for a while, it will<br />
benefit from the time. And to be honest, the opportunity to turn the clocks back by 30 years<br />
at this price is a snip.<br />
Recommended retail price: €195 including VAT.<br />
https://www.cognac-frapin.com/<br />
BORDEAUX FEELS THE HEAT<br />
Since 2022, there has been a glaring imbalance between production and sluggish sales of Bordeaux, and that disconnect has<br />
become structural. The industry is working to find emergency solutions for farms in the most challenging situations,<br />
and structural measures to ensure a sustainable future. Here’s a review of the situation.<br />
Since 2019, there have been countless disappointments:<br />
China’s wine imports have shrunk, Hong Kong has been in a<br />
political crisis, Trump imposed taxes in the United States, there<br />
have been uncertainties surrounding Brexit, an unprecedented<br />
global pandemic, war in Ukraine, inflation… These events have<br />
had a profound impact on global trade, and severely affected<br />
Bordeaux. In the vineyards, a series of weather events – frost, hail<br />
and drought – have undermined crop potential from one vintage<br />
to the next, making it impossible to have a long-term vision and<br />
jeopardising wineries’ profitability. And last but not least, the<br />
drop in consumption, especially for red wines, has exacerbated<br />
the situation.<br />
The industry has taken structural measures – subsidised permanent<br />
vine-pulls to reduce volumes over the long term – and drastic<br />
short-term measures (distillation). It has also continued with its<br />
sustainability agenda, through a commitment to CSR (Corporate<br />
Social Responsibility), increased environmental certifications,<br />
development of organic wines and carbon reduction to name a few.<br />
Concurrently with this, the industry has been striving to reinvent<br />
itself and better align its range of wines with current consumer<br />
demand, by diversifying in terms of colour (whites, Crémant),<br />
occasions and styles, combining the classic pours with more<br />
offbeat offerings (new varietals). In an era of uncertainty, one thing<br />
is for sure – we certainly haven’t heard the last of Bordeaux. Take a<br />
look for yourself in our comprehensive feature report on page 10.<br />
WINTER 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE<br />
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