Atlas de la France vinicole - Les eaux-de-vie de France - Le Cognac petite Champagne et Borderies 1947

The 1947 original map Atlas de la France Vinicole - Les eaux-de-vie de France - Le Cognac Petite Champagne et Borderies, created by Louis Larmat and printed by Dorel in Paris, is a detailed and captivating representation of two of the key Cognac-producing regions in France: Petite Champagne and Borderies. This map is part of the renowned Atlas de la France Vinicole, a collection of maps that meticulously charted France’s wine and spirit-producing regions. Larmat’s work stands out for its combination of technical accuracy, geographical detail, and artistic beauty, making it a valuable resource for both professionals and collectors alike.

Louis Larmat was a prominent French cartographer known for his specialized focus on mapping France’s viticultural and spirit-producing regions. His Atlas de la France Vinicole series, published in the 1940s, is considered one of the most comprehensive and visually appealing collections of wine and spirits maps. These maps provide both an educational resource for those in the industry and a cultural artifact that celebrates France’s deep connection to its terroir. The Petite Champagne et Borderies map specifically highlights these two Cognac-producing sub-regions, offering insight into their importance within the broader Cognac landscape.

The Les eaux-de-vie de France - Le Cognac Petite Champagne et Borderies map showcases the geographical layout of these two distinct Cognac-producing areas. Petite Champagne is located to the south of the Grande Champagne region, and it is known for producing high-quality Cognac with excellent aging potential. Borderies, the smallest and oldest of the Cognac crus, is situated to the north of Cognac and produces eaux-de-vie with a more floral character, often prized for its roundness and smoothness.

The map provides a visual breakdown of the terroir in these regions, showing their boundaries, key villages, rivers, and other geographical features that contribute to the unique qualities of the Cognac produced there. Larmat’s map carefully delineates the contours of these regions, emphasizing the role of geography and soil composition in defining the characteristics of Cognac. Petite Champagne, with its chalky soils, and Borderies, with its clay and flint-rich earth, are both represented in this map in a way that highlights their importance in the overall production process.

In addition to the geographic layout, Larmat’s map often includes annotations that provide further details about the characteristics of each region’s eaux-de-vie. These notes help to explain the unique qualities of Cognac from Petite Champagne and Borderies, particularly their flavor profiles, aging potential, and typical aromas. Such information is valuable for those looking to understand the nuances between different Cognac-producing areas, underscoring the impact of terroir on the final product.

The map is also visually striking, with its hand-colored accents and artistic flourishes. Larmat’s use of color helps to distinguish between the regions, with Petite Champagne and Borderies each marked by different shades, allowing for easy identification of their boundaries. The artistry in the map’s design enhances its aesthetic appeal, making it not only a functional tool but also a work of art that is appreciated by collectors and connoisseurs of French vinicultural history.

The typography used on the map is clear and elegant, with the names of regions, villages, and other landmarks carefully placed to enhance readability. The map’s borders often include decorative elements that celebrate the subject matter, such as illustrations of vineyards, barrels, or grapevines, which further emphasize the connection between geography and the production of Cognac.

Maps like Larmat’s were created during a time when French viticulture and spirit production were regaining their prominence on the world stage. After the disruptions of World War II, there was a concerted effort to revive and promote France’s agricultural and artisanal industries. The Petite Champagne et Borderies map reflects this broader cultural movement, serving both as a practical tool for those involved in the Cognac industry and as a promotional piece that highlighted the heritage and prestige of French brandy.

The map was used not only by producers and merchants but also by educators and enthusiasts who sought to deepen their understanding of Cognac’s geographic and cultural roots. The clear delineation of different Cognac-producing areas on the map helped to reinforce the idea that Cognac’s quality and character were inherently tied to the land from which it originated. This connection between terroir and the final product remains a key principle in the production of Cognac today.

Today, Louis Larmat’s Petite Champagne et Borderies map from 1947 is a highly sought-after collectible for those interested in the history of French spirits and cartography. Its historical significance, coupled with its artistic beauty, makes it a prized possession for collectors, connoisseurs, and institutions dedicated to preserving France’s cultural heritage. The map provides a window into the post-war period when France was reasserting its global leadership in the production of fine wines and spirits, with Cognac at the forefront.

Larmat’s map not only serves as a functional reference for understanding the geography of Cognac production but also stands as a testament to the enduring importance of French terroir. It captures a moment in time when the tradition of Cognac-making was both a symbol of national pride and a crucial element of France’s cultural and economic recovery.

The 1947 Atlas de la France Vinicole - Les eaux-de-vie de France - Le Cognac Petite Champagne et Borderies map by Louis Larmat remains a remarkable example of mid-20th-century cartography and vinicultural documentation. Printed by Dorel in Paris, this map is a celebration of the artistry and precision that defines France’s approach to both mapmaking and spirit production. Its detailed depiction of two key Cognac regions continues to be of value to historians, industry professionals, and collectors who appreciate the intricate connection between land, culture, and craft in the production of one of the world’s finest spirits.

Original Poster

Alcohol - Map - Charente - France

Dorel - Paris

Good condition, original folds