Malternative Belgium Cognac #46 Le Frimas (Lot 97)

Malternative Belgium Cognac #46 Le Frimas (Lot 97)

Dieser Cognac wurde von der Mocquet Familie aus Colombard Trauben in Grande Champagne (Cognac), Frankreich hergestellt.

Er reifte für 27 Jahre in einem Fass aus französischer Eiche und wurde 2025 (05/2025) aus den Kellern von Cognac Bouju von Malternative Belgium in Fassstärke mit 53.9% abgefüllt. Für die Destillation wurde eine Alambic Charentais (Pot Still) verwendet.

Pieter von Malternative Belgium schreibt zum Le Frimas: „In the world of cognac, the Ugni Blanc grape is king – more than 98% of all cognac is made from it. But there was a time, before the phylloxera crisis, when the Colombard grape also dominated the vineyards of the Charente. Today, Colombard is a rarity, accounting for not even one percent of plantings. This cognac is living proof of that: 100% Colombard!

It matured for almost three decades in oak and was bottled at natural cask strength. The esters are at 145 mg/100 ml AP, exceptionally high and responsible for that explosive fruit. The higher alcohols – over 900 mg/100 ml AP – provide a firm backbone, while the dry extract of only 1.7 g/l shows that nothing was added here. The non-alcohol coefficient of 1204.8 places this cognac firmly among the very best in terms of aromatic density.

Colombard offers what Ugni Blanc rarely can: an expressive, almost brash fruitiness with a nervy acid line that keeps the cognac young and lively, even after 27 years in cask. This is a rare Grande Champagne with temperament. Of course, we know Colombard grapes from other (wine) regions, but a cognac of more than 25 years – cask strength & 100% Colombard grapes – never seen before, an absolute rarity!

About the producer:
The origin of this cognac lies with a bouilleur de cru from Mainxe-Gondeville, Appellation Cognac Grande Champagne Contrôlée, namely the Mocquet family (Du Clos de L’Abbaye). It was bottled by our friends at cognac house Daniel Bouju (SARL SPVS).

Tasting notes:
This is an aromatic powerhouse!
Nose: Direct and exuberant. Ripe Williams pear, white peach, mirabelle plum. Behind that, lemon peel, a hint of jasmine and subtly toasted oak. Not a whisper, but a statement.
Palate: The 53.9% is noticeable but never aggressive. Juicy white fruit, green apple, a hint of almond. The acids keep everything tight and fresh, the higher alcohols provide structure and length. Compact, energetic, full of life. Green VEP-Chartreuse, absolutely!
Finish: Returning fruit, light gingerbread notes and a mineral, almost saline undertone. A finish that calls for the next sip.

Explanation label:
The illustration shows a stylized tree with golden roots reaching deep into layered soil – a reference to the unique terroir of Grande Champagne and the old Colombard vines that still endure here. The name „Le Frimas“ refers to the hoarfrost of the early morning, when the vineyards turn white before the sun breaks through: an image of freshness and purity that fits perfectly with the character of this cognac.“