Cognac Frapin owner Max Cointreau dies

Cognac house Frapin has announced the passing of Max Cointreau, who died in his home town of Gensac la Pallue last week at the age of 94.

Cointreau started his professional career in 1942, learning to distill Cognac, before rising through the ranks to become joint managing director of Cointreau SARL and, later, president of Cointreau SA.

Cointreau “devoted his life” to the Cognac industry; right up to his death presiding over the Domaine Château de Fontpinot – the owner of the Frapin brand – in the heart of Grande Champagne.

As joint managing director of the Renaud Cointreau Group, he developed both Frapin Cognac and Gosset Champagne, as well as the spirits arm of the group Page Vedrenne.

For many years he was also involved with various professional bodies, serving as president of the National Union of Liquor Manufacturers, of the GIE Grandes Liqueurs de France and president of the Social Commission of the National Council of Wine and Spirit for eight years.

Cointreau was appointed as foreign trade advisor of France, he remained active in Charente, acting as the mayor of Gensac la Pallue from 1969 until 2001. He also stood as the general councillor of the Canton de Segonzac from 1973-1985, and regional councillor of Poitou Charentes.

Thereafter he was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur – the highest decoration in France – and both the Mérite National and Palmes Académiques, which are decorations for distinguished national figures.