One of the illustrious elder houses of Cognac, Frapin can trace its rich and storied history in the Grande Champagne region to 1270, and it is still owned by a direct descendant of the original founder today. Initially establishing themselves as a family of wine growers in the Fontpinot Castle at Segonzac Francois Rabelais, it wasn't long before the Frapin family became distillers, a tradition they continued for a remarkable 20 generations.
Distillation at Frapin occurs twice on lees in six Charentais red copper stills. Frapin Cognacs are matured in Limousin oak casks, for the first quarter in new casks, after which they are transferred to older ones. The ageing warehouses are uniquely set over two levels, which means Cellar Master Patrice Piveteau is able to choose a location for each cask based on an appropriate atmospheric condition across different parts of their warehouses. The ground floor has greater humidity, while the attics are drier. These two factors have a clear impact on the ageing process, and subsequently the character of the final Cognac.
Even after all this time, Frapin continues to set itself apart from the region's other significant producers, as all of its Cognacs, including exquisite expressions such asVSOP Cognac, 12 Year Old Cask Strength (cask 1900) and Chau de Fontpinot XO Cognac are made entirely on the family's single estate.
