Cognac Frapin Cognac, France.
Established: 1270. The Cointreau family, direct descendants of Pierre Frapin, took over the business in 1984.
Appellations: Cognac Grande Champagne
Proprietor: Cointreau family
Winemaker: Patrice Piveteau
Wine Making Overview: Ugni Blanc fruit is picked 2-3 degrees riper than the regional norm for extra flavour and is fermented (without SO2) on full solids for extra texture. The wine is distilled with the fine lees of both pulp and yeast to bring extra flavour to the eaux-de-vie. Double-distilled in 25hL copper stills, the new spirit (71° alc/vol) is matured first in brand new Limousin oak barrels for two years or more and then transferred to older barrels for long ageing.
The ageing takes place in either dry cellars (attics) or humid cellars (ground level). In the humid cellars evaporation is slower, bringing richness and roundness, while the dry cellars produce a more fruity, elegant style. Frapin currently holds 16 years of maturing stocks (cf 7 years average).
Vineyard Area: 240ha
Viticulture: Lutte Raisonnée (reasoned viticulture)
Vineyards: All estate fruit, all 100% Grande Champagne
Vine Density: 3000/ha
“Gloriously coppery/henna/auburn colour; flawless clarity. Mature fragrances ... delight the olfactory sense ... decadently fruity and spicy ... Finishes with flair and grace ... Wow, what a beauty!”
“Comprised of old cognacs that are around 35 years old, VIP XO is one of the most beautiful cognacs I’ve ever seen ... A great distilled spirit.”
“Few houses in Cognac have the hallowed history of Frapin, still owned by the original family, who can trace their winegrowing and distilling back to 1270 (the current CEO is the 21st generation). Consider: The family’s coat of arms was bestowed by Louis XIV; the quill logo was designed in honor of famed author François Rabelais, whose mother was a Frapin; Gustave Eiffel constructed the building where the blending is carried out. On a tour, as we passed some cobwebbed old demijohns, I was casually told, ‘Here is the harvest of 1870.’”
Taking craftsmanship to the highest levels of excellence, Frapin's style embodies the very essence of Cognac.
Frapin is located in the centre of the Grande Champagne, Premier Cru du Cognac region in the sleepy little town of Segonzac, the finest designated region in Cognac. It is the only merchant located in the town and only sells Cognacs produced from grapes sourced from its own 240ha estate in the heart of the Grande Champagne region. One of the oldest family-owned companies in the world, Frapin traces its history to the birth of Arbert Frapin in the year 1270 in Angoumois. And today it is run by his direct descendant, Jean-Pierre Cointreau, a member of the 21st generation.
Over the intervening 750 years, the Frapin family has given birth to famous writers (François Rabelais, in 1494), royal sommeliers (Jehan Frapin, sommelier to François I, 1534) and been awarded a royal coat of arms (Pierre Frapin, apothecary to Louis XIV, 1697). Frapin was also singled out for a 'First Degree of Merit' award at the New Orleans world fair in 1885 and one of only two gold medals awarded at the Paris expo of 1889 (the other going to Courvoisier).
At Frapin all the fruit for the Cognacs is grown on the estate and is usually harvested 2-3 degrees riper than the regional norm to bring extra flavour to the base wine. Distillation always takes place with the lees from fermentation, adding texture and length as well as extra dimensions of flavour complexity. The young Cognacs are aged for a good 2 years or more in new Limousin oak (much more than is typical), before transferring to older barrels for the long haul. And whilst the average stockholding in the Cognac region is just on 7 years, Frapin currently holds 16 years in stock, highlighting the extra complexity that age brings to its Cognacs.
The ageing of the Cognacs at Frapin is further distinguished by maturation taking place in one of two distinctly different environments. Long ageing in the humid cellars underground makes for a rich and powerful style, whereas the drier attics emphasise fruit and bring a finer and more elegant finish to the Cognac.
FRAPIN COCKTAILS
This video will show you how to make an Alabazam cocktail with Frapin VSOP #cognac. This recipe has been restyled by Dale DeGroff for #Frapin.
Created around the 1920s, this is one of the most famous cocktails. Discover the restyled recipe of #cognac #Frapin.
Recipe created exclusively for the launch of the new #cognac #Frapin #VSOP decanter by Dav Eames (The Gilbert Scott, London).
One of the oldest and the most famous cocktails. Restyled for #Cognac #Frapin.
The VIP One showcases the profound depth and complexity of the 35 year-old Frapin XO VIP.
the complete frapin cocktail book, celebrating 750 years of the frapin family
COGNAC COLLECTION — HÉRITAGE DE LA MAISON (Heritage of the House)
An alliance of ancestral knowledge with the oldest reserves of the Frapin Family.
Frapin 1270 (5‐6 yrs) — 100% Grand Champagne Premier Cru - new shipment due September/October
Its warm, golden highlights give it a beautiful straw colour, bearing witness to its time in new Limousin oak barrels. Aromas of vine and lime blossom, with a light touch of vanilla from its ageing in Limousin barrels promise the aromatic richness characteristic of a great cognac. Roundness, finesse and balance. Length on the palate due to a very special distillation over fine lees, with slight vanilla or toast notes, adding a touch of freshness and originality.
’Frapin 1270 is an integral part of the Frapin range with its exceptional aromatic richness. Ideal for mixed drinks.’ Patrice Piveteau, Cellar Master.
'Marigold color/gamboge color; textbook purity. I like this grapy/raisiny and radiantly fresh opening aroma because it could be nothing other than high-ranking grape brandy from Cognac; the ambrosial aspect continues on after more aeration, and my brain’s love meter keeps ascending. Entry is vividly tasty, with robust flavors of caramel, fudge brownie, chocolate-covered cherry, and black raisin leading the taste parade; midpalate goes all-in on the heartiness of the flavor profile, as pronounced tastes of mincemeat, holiday fruitcake, cinnamon bun, and bear claw pastry leave deep impressions. Aftertaste maintains the momentum found in the entry and midpalate stages. A dynamic cognac from the masterful talents of the Frapin team.’ 2019 Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆/Highly Recommended, F. Paul Pacult, The New Kindred Spirits, August 2021.
Frapin VSOP (9-10 yrs) — 100% Grand Champagne Premier Cru
Its orange colour bears witness to its time ageing in Limousin oak barrels. The bouquet is complex, fruity with orange and floral with dried flowers. Discreet notes of vanilla are revealed. This Frapin VSOP offers a wonderful aromatic intensity. Frapin VSOP is very harmonious. It is balanced with persistent flavours, including fruity orange notes. The finish is spicy with notes of cinnamon or pepper.
‘The quintessential expression of the Frapin style. A cognac that can combine with anything at any time, as an aperitif, during a meal or after dinner.’ Patrice Piveteau, Cellar Master.
'Burnt sienna color; unblemished clarity. Up front, I pick up traces of baked fruits, especially peach and pear, plus a touch of baking spice, in particular, mace; more air contact stimulates deeper fragrances of vanilla bean, dried apricot, and old leather. Entry is juicy and ripe, toasty, and honeyed; midpalate accentuates the dried fruit that comes off as being a little more tropical (guava, especially) in nature than orchard-like. Concludes silky in texture, mildly honeyed, and elegant. A classy VSOP that beams with Grande Champagne elegance and depth.’ 2019 Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆/Highly Recommended, F. Paul Pacult, The New Kindred Spirits, August 2021.
Frapin XO VIP — 100% Grande Champagne Premier Cru
A cognac with rich bronze tones and a natural purity, Frapin XO VIP charms from the first glance. Pleasing floral notes and a beautiful aromatic complexity punctuated with subtle woody tones. An overall elegance typical of aged Cognacs from Grande Champagne. After its delicate aromas, its power in the mouth comes as a surprise. XO VIP offers a palette of flavours, revealing in turn chocolate notes, dried fruit, candied fruit, and gingerbread. The expression is sophisticated and complex, with depth, but without ever losing the original freshness of the fruit. Composed with the precision of a sonnet, XO VIP is an ode to the passion behind its creation and flavour.
‘This is a rich, complex and evolving cognac in which everyone will find their own aromatic references.’ Patrice Piveteau, Cellar Master.
'Attractive auburn color; flawless purity. First inhalations connect with substantial, woody, mature, and intensely grapy aromas that shine with vibrant freshness and acidity; more time in the glass allows for harmonious fragrances of toasted almond, marmalade, bear claw pastry, and moss/earth. Entry is texturally oily and satiny while the taste profile overflows with fruity, zesty, tobacco-like and mature tastes; midpalate features vanilla, fudge, coffee bean/espresso, and dark caramel. Ends on a graceful note, with racy flavors of dried banana, dried nectarine, and vanilla. Sensational.’ 2019 Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆/Highest Recommendation, F. Paul Pacult, The New Kindred Spirits, August 2021.
‘An older XO from Grande Champagne with more than 30 years of aging in Frapin’s humid cellars, to highlight roundness and suppleness. Deep amber, with a confectionary nose of nougat, cocoa and candied orange. In the mouth, there’s depth and complexity, a warm citrus embrace at first, then lots of gingerbread and creaminess at midpalate, followed by a long, comforting finish. This is a Cognac for a cold evening by the fire. (40% abv).’ 93 points, Jason Wilson, Vinous, September 2019.
Frapin Extra ‐ 100% Grand Champagne Premier Cru
The Extra offers a wonderful mahogany colour with warm copper highlights. The bouquet is very smooth, complex, developed aromas of aged port mixed with the scent of wooden cigar boxes, typical of old Grande Champagne cognacs, which appear after a very long ageing. Concentrated candied fruit aromas like apricot. The palate is supple, smooth, rich and luxurious, with an exceptionally long finish in which all the flavours combine in a subtle and complex harmony. Notes on the bouquet include the famous ‘rancio’ found in Grande Champagne cognacs distilled over lees and aged for several decades. To be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment for a special tasting experience beloved of both amateurs and the most experienced enthusiasts. An exceptional after-dinner drink thanks to its fruitiness and finesse.
’Suppleness, exceptionally long finish… can be enjoyed to infinity!’ Patrice Piveteau, Cellar Master.
'Cocoa-brown color; completely sediment-free. Initial whiffs detect mature, oaky, rancio-driven aromas of mushrooms, old leather books, walnut butter, Parmigiano Reggiano, milk chocolate, and carob; secondary inhalations discover deeper scents of black raisins, dates, figs, and candied almond. Entry impressions are highlighted by the creamy texture that supports the integrated flavors of dried fruits, nuts, clove, nutmeg, and quince; midpalate mirrors the entry, featuring deeper, more ponderous flavors of baked ham, jasmine, cake batter, gingerbread, and berry compote. Concludes lengthy, silky, and a touch smoky. Magnificent.’ 2019 Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆/Highest Recommendation, F. Paul Pacult, The New Kindred Spirits, August 2021. Inaugural Hall of Fame Selection, F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal, 2011.
Frapin Plume — 100% Grand Champagne Premier Cru
Plume Frapin offers a beautiful burnt orange colour. The bouquet is powerful and complex. Fruity notes of dried apricot, fig, orange, liquorice and tobacco, with cigar box notes that appear with time in the glass. Plume Frapin offers woody notes, prunes and candied fruits. The ‘Rancio’ flavour is well developed and the finish is exceptionally long. The flavour evolves greatly in the mouth. For maximum enjoyment, take your time and let the brandy breathe.
’Terroir, artful blending, patience and respect for nature make Plume Frapin an exceptional blend produced in a limited series of 500 numbered bottles.’ Patrice Piveteau, Cellar Master.
Frapin Cuvée 1888
This bottle unites very old Grande Champagne (très vieille) eaux-de-vie from the barrels of the Domaine Château de Fontpinot. The Cuvée consists of Folle Blanche notes which seem to be quite rare to find. The decanter is unique: Frapin created a bottle, crafted by the Christalleries Royales de Champagne, including a 24 carat gold element.
‘Frapin’s precious Cuvée is a complex, intense Cognac - on the nose some dry fruits, orange and a hint of nuts. On the palate: A balance between flowers, some citrus, vanilla and notes of exotic wood.’ Patrice Piveteau, Cellar Master.
COGNAC COLLECTION — TRÉSORS DU CHÂTEAU (Treasures of the Château)
An alliance of ancestral knowledge with an exceptional terroir; Cognacs grown, made, distilled, matured and bottled at the estate of Château Fontpinot.
Frapin Château Fontpinot XO — 100% Grande Champagne Premier Cru
This XO cognac is the fruit of long ageing in dry cellars, which gives it a subtle, complex, refined, long-lasting bouquet consisting of candied fruit aromas (dried apricot, dried fig), marzipan, hazelnut, nougat, then port notes and finally the famous ‘rancio’ character. Balanced, rich and complex on the palate with aromas of dried fruits and candied fruits and an exceptionally long finish. Add a drop of water to Château Fontpinot XO to let the aromas breathe and soften the power of the cognac.
’Only a true gourmet will appreciate the Château Fontpinot XO to the full. This cognac enchants desserts with its fruity flavours and offers its character to anyone who enjoys the simple pleasures of a cheese board.’ Patrice Piveteau, Cellar Master.
'Wheat-field gold color; pristine purity. Smells of dried fruits up front, in particular, white raisins, yellow plum, and pineapple; after more contact, the fragrance turns a bit more toasty/roasted and orange marmalade–like. Entry features a foundational flavor of ripe white grapes, fresh honey, and oak resin; the midpalate stage features an extended, satiny, honey-sweet taste, as well as a keen astringency that maintains this cognac’s vivid freshness. Ends roasted, bittersweet, and mildly spiced (clove, cinnamon). Still, in my view, one of the finest Grande Champagne cognacs money could buy.’ 2019 Rating: ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆/Highest Recommendation, F. Paul Pacult, The New Kindred Spirits, August 2021.
‘One of my favorite XOs, aged for 20 years in Frapin’s dry cellars, to highlight finesse and elegance. Made exclusively from grapes harvested around Frapin’s Fontpinot castle, in Segonzac, the heart of Grande Champagne. Copper-orange in color. The nose is alive with fresh flowers and mint, along with richer aromas of dried apricot, pastry dough and a hint of rancio. The freshness carries onto the palate, where there’s great linear structure, nuttiness and attractive acidity, and the surprisingly intense grilled walnut finish. This is a lively, drinkable style of XO that offers excellent value. (40% abv).’ 96 points, Jason Wilson, Vinous, September 2019.
Frapin 15 Years Old is a blend of eaux-de-vies grown, distilled and aged on the 240ha Frapin vineyard, located at the heart of the Grande Champagne appellation.
Frapin 15 Years Old Cask Strength (45.3%) — 100% Grande Champagne Premier Cru
Frapin 15 Years Old is a blend of eaux-de-vies grown, distilled and aged on Frapin’s 240 hectare vineyard located at the heart of the Grande Champagne appellation, premier cru de Cognac. The Cellar Master manages each step of the process and the resulting cognac is a superb alchemy of unique terroir and dedication to the craft of cognac production, through long cellaring. An XO between two worlds, Frapin 15 Years Old uniquely blends eaux-de-vies aged in both humid and dry cellars. The former lends roundness and richness whilst the latter gives finesse and elegance.
’Frapin 15 Years Old has been bottled at cask strength and bears the seal of the house which signifies our quest for authenticity. It passes directly from barrel to bottle with no adjustment or chill-filtering in order to preserve all of the naturally rich aromas and flavours of this cognac.’ Patrice Piveteau, Cellar Master.
1991 20 Years Old — 100% Grande Champagne Premier Cru
This vintage 1991, produced solely from Ugni Blanc, comes from vines located in the south-eastern part of the vineyard, characterised by a chalky and clay soil and a crumbly chalky subsoil typical of Grande Champagne region. Forever connected to the spring frosts that eradicated much of the production of cognac, each bottle is stamped with the hallmark of rarity.
This treasure of Frapin offers a gorgeous orange colour. The bouquet is very balanced and make up of refined fragrances of candied fruits (orange and apricot) and the fine notes of of honey and spicies. At the end are revealed light woody notes along with ‘rancio’ characteristics and wooden cigar boxes typical of Grande Champagne. Finesse et elegance thanks to its ageing in dry cellars. Pronounced aromas of candied fruit (orange, apricot), light notes of honey and gingerbread. Exceptionally long finish, typical of Grande Champagne distilled over lees. The Millésime 1991 speaks as much of the elegant patina of a ‘20 ans d’âge’ as to the unique ability of a cognac to magnify the intimacy of shared moments.
‘By giving time to time by allowing it to breathe in the glass, this beautiful orange-coloured cognac will reveal its depth of aromas acquired from its 20 years of sleeping in oak barrels.’ Patrice Piveteau, Cellar Master.
‘1991 was an infamous year in Cognac because spring frost eradicated much of the harvest. But this vintage for Frapin is exquisite, bottled after aging for 20 years in dry cellars to highlight finesse and elegance. Light amber and light-bodied, the depth of aromas and flavor comes as a surprise. At first there are scents of candied citrus and nougat, but returning to the glass, there’s an entire flower garden on the nose, along with hints of attractive pipe tobacco and licorice. On the palate, a delicate balance of honey and spice, of creaminess and nuttiness, of gingerbread and cedar, with a persistent walnut-rancio finish. At just 20 years, this singular, hard-to-find vintage illustrates how great Cognac can be at all ages. (41.2% abv).’ 98 points, Jason Wilson, Vinous, September 2019.
1990 27 Years Old — 100% Grande Champagne Premier Cru
Elegant and taut, supple and bright; Frapin Millésime 1990 – 27 Years Old is a truly exceptional cognac. It is the result of a complex alchemy; a union of a unique terroir, knowledge passed from generation to generation and a passion for excellence. It embodies the Frapin style with its voluptuous aromatic richness and its infinitely long finish. The 1990 vintage was an unusual year that has endowed Frapin Millésime 1990 with a unique personality. It comes entirely from Frapin’s Les Gabloteaux vineyard located within the 314 hectare domaine.
Millésime 1990 – 27 Years Old offers a bright, yellow-orange coloured with a warm glow. The nose has delicate floral aromas dominated by jasmine, with apricot, mango and orange nuances. Subtle woody notes underscore everything. In the mouth it is powerful yet incredibly elegant and balanced. Apricot and fig notes are complemented with hints of liquorice and toasted nuts. The palate continues with a lingering rancio character which persists through to the finish.
‘A true embodiment of the Frapin style.’ Patrice Piveteau, Cellar Master.
‘Coming entirely from Frapin’s Les Gabloteaux vineyard in Grande Champagne, this 1990 vintage was bottled after 27 years of aging in dry cellars. Deep amber, with big patisserie aromas on the nose, along with jasmine and mango. Surprisingly fruity on the palate, featuring apricot and fig, but then serious rancio notes come at midpalate, along with toasted nuts and pepper. Not as great as the 1991 or 1988, but still a very fine Cognac for the price. (41.3% abv)’ 93 points, Jason Wilson, Vinous, September 2019.
1989 20 Years Old — 100% Grande Champagne Premier Cru
Golden yellow with a slight amber color. Floral, iris, jasmine, Bourbon vanilla, dried apricot, quince compote. On the palate hints of liquorice, woody notes, vanilla, candied apricot,
exceptionally long finish.
1988 25 Years Old — 100% Grande Champagne Premier Cru
This vintage Cognac, produced solely from Ugni Blanc, comes from vines located in the south-eastern part of the vineyard, characterised by a chalky, clay soil and a crumbly chalky subsoil typical of Grande Champagne region.
Millésime 1988 offers a beautiful bright orange colour with yellow highlights. Very balanced nose, consisting of aromas of dried fruit (hazelnut, fig), prune and dried apricot. Then light woody notes appear along with ‘rancio’ characteristics and wooden cigar boxes typical of Grande Champagne as well as leather aromas that reveal themselves with time and patience. 25 years. Smooth and supple attack with a lot of finesse and complexity, due to the grapes being really mature, and an exceptionally long finish, typical of a distillation over lees.
‘Small yields plus hot and dry weather conditions at the end of the summer favoured conditions of a good bunches maturation. This parcel had aromatic characteristics but, particularly, also a structure and a balance that led us to designate it as a vintage immediately after its distillation.’ Patrice Piveteau, Cellar Master.
‘Aged in dry cellars for 25 years (bottled 2014), this has more roundness and is slightly softer than the 1991, but is still nimble on its feet. Light amber in color, it offers pretty violet aromas amid notes of dried fig, apricot pastry and almond paste. What balances things and gives this its power is an undertone of swirling minerality, a chalkiness and flintiness at the core. A beautiful spirit all around. (41.5% abv).’ 96 points, Jason Wilson, Vinous, September 2019.
The BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac) guarantees the authenticity of the Cognac Frapin vintages by carefully monitoring the sealed casks as they rest in the cellars for 20+ years.
Multimillésime #7 — 100% Grande Champagne Premier Cru
The quest for the perfect alchemy of rare eaux-de-vie, that offers a journey through time into the heart of Grande Champagne… Multimillésime #7, the new release from the Trésors du Château collection, is the result of a unique terroir, ancient know-how and a passion for excellence. This exceptional cognac is the combination of 3 vintages selected for their sensory potential and complementary characteristics: 1989, 1991 and 1993. A blend of vintages exclusively harvested, distilled and aged at Frapin’s Estate, Multimillésime #7 offers the best from the 240ha estate located in Grande Champagne, Premier Cru of Cognac.
1989: framework
The vintage 1989 forms the framework of the Multimillésime #7. It brings its structure to the assembly. It seduces the nose with its floral (iris) and fruity (compote of quince) notes. On the palate, it has nice, slightly vanilla and woody notes.
1991: finesse and subtlety
This vintage 1991 brings finesse and delicacy with its aromatic accents of candied fruit, orange, apricot, honey and spices.
1993: power
The vintage 1993 offers aromas of citrus then apricot and a delicate woody notes. The palate is powerful. Dried fruits, hazelnuts and honey are noticeable as the famous rancio too.
‘A sensorial trio that continues the quest of excellence initiated in 2008.’ Patrice Piveteau, Cellar Master