Cognac Frapin is a Cognac producer based in the town of Segonzac, in the heart of the Grande Champagne region of France.

The Frapin family has been established in the South West of France since 1270, initially as a family of wine-growers.[1][2] They then became distillers and have continued in this tradition for 20 generations.[1] The Grande Champagne region was where the family eventually settled, establishing their headquarters in Château de Fontpinot at Segonzac. Today the Frapin estate covers 300 hectares of which 240 hectares are vineyards[3] entirely in Grande Champagne, officially listed as Premier Grand Cru du Cognac, of which 240 hectares are planted with the Ugni blanc grape variety.[1]

Cognac Frapin History

Cognac Frapin Lower Cellar
Cognac Frapin Lower Cellar

1270: The Frapin Family Arrived in Charente - The Frapin family first settled in the Charente region near the village of Segonzac in 1270, where they initially worked as winegrowers. Over time, they would transition into the art of distilling, eventually becoming one of the most respected names in the world of cognac. [4]

1494: The Birth of François Rabelais - In 1494, François Rabelais was born to Anne Catherine Frapin and Antoine Rabelais. Rabelais, a famous 16th-century writer, would go on to author works such as “Gargantua and Pantagruel.” Cognac Frapin pays tribute to its illustrious forebear by incorporating his name into some of their releases of cognac. [4]

1534: Jehan Rabelais Becomes “Maitre Queux-Sommelier” - Jehan Rabelais, the nephew of François Rabelais, was appointed “Maitre Queux-Sommelier” by King Francois I in 1534. This prestigious role gave Jehan full dominion over the king’s kitchens and the key to his cellar, further cementing the Frapin family’s connection to the world of fine spirits. [4]

1697: The Frapin Family Coat of Arms is Born - In 1697, King Louis XIV awarded a coat of arms to Pierre Frapin, the family’s apothecary. The Frapin family coat of arms, featuring the fleur-de-lys and two lepidodendrons (a symbol of apothecaries), was born. [4]

1872: Completion of Château Fontpinot - Henri Frapin added three towers to the Château Fontpinot, completing the beautiful structure that stands today on the estate. The Château remains a symbol of the family’s dedication to their craft and the region’s rich history. [4]

1885: Award for Cognac Frapin at the International Exposition of New Orleans - Cognac Frapin was recognized for its excellence at the International Exposition of New Orleans in 1885, receiving a First Order of Merit award. [4]

1889: Gold Medal for Cognac Frapin - The Universal Exposition of Paris in 1889 was a momentous event, showcasing the grandeur of the Art Nouveau movement and the Industrial Revolution. At this prestigious event, Pierre Frapin was awarded a gold medal by Gustave Eiffel himself, marking a significant milestone in the history of Cognac Frapin. [4]

1892: Construction of the Iron Framework of the Chai de Segonzac - Gustave Eiffel and his team constructed the iron framework of the Chai de Segonzac at the Frapin Estate. This is the only example of Eiffel’s work in the region and serves as a unique testament to the Frapin family’s dedication to innovation and collaboration. This historic warehouse structure is today the room where Cognac Frapin eaux-de-vie is blended into large containers to be then bottled as cognac. [4]

1898: Pierre Frapin is Rewarded for Reconstituted Vineyards - Following the devastation of the region’s vineyards by phylloxera, Pierre Frapin replanted the vines and was recognized by the Agricultural Committee of Cognac for his “Reconstituted vineyards: great culture.” This award highlights the Frapin family’s resilience and dedication to their craft. [4]

Medal and Awards at the Universal Exhibition in Paris - Cognac Frapin was once again recognized for its exceptional quality at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1900, receiving a gold medal. Cognac Frapin continued to win awards at various international exhibitions, including those in St. Louis (1904), Milan (1906), Brussels (1910), and Madrid (1927). These awards solidified the brand’s reputation for producing exceptional cognac.[4]

1945-1966: Albert Frapin Develops the Vineyards Around Château de Fontpinot - Under the leadership of Albert Frapin, the vineyards around the Château de Fontpinot were expanded and further developed, ensuring the family’s continued success in the world of quality cognac production. [4]

By 1990, Cognac Frapin had established a global presence, with its products being sold in 75 countries. This international success is a testament to the family’s commitment to producing high-quality, distinctive cognac that appeals to a wide range of consumers. [4]

Cognac Frapin Two Distinctive Cellars

Cognac Frapin features two distinctive cellars – one downstairs with a humid environment, resulting in a slower evaporation rate that emphasizes a smoother flavor profile, and an upstairs dry cellar with faster evaporation, creating a concentrated flavor with higher alcohol content. The cellar master meticulously controls temperature and humidity in each cellar to optimize the aging process. By blending eaux-de-vie from these contrasting environments, Cognac Frapin achieves a diverse range of flavors, showcasing the family's commitment to crafting exceptional and consistently high-quality cognacs that delight connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. [4]

Blending

The Art of Blending: Cognac Frapin’s cellar master is responsible for blending the eaux-de-vie from both types of cellars to create the distinctive and consistent quality of their cognacs. By carefully selecting and combining eaux-de-vie of different ages and from different types of barrels, the Cellar Master is able to craft a range of cognacs that showcase the unique characteristics of the Grande Champagne terroir. The blending process is both an art and a science, requiring a deep understanding of the eaux-de-vie’s flavors, aromas, and maturation processes. The cellar master also takes into account the desired style and character of the final product, ensuring that each bottle of Cognac Frapin meets the high standards that the brand desires. [4]

Cognac Frapin Warehouse Built by Gustave Eiffel

Cognac Frapin Warehouse Built by Gustave Eiffel
Cognac Frapin Warehouse Built by Gustave Eiffel

Gustave Eiffel and his team constructed the iron framework warehouse at the Cognac Frapin facility. [4]

See also

Cognac.com: Patrice Piveteau, Frapin Cognac Cellar Master, Discusses the Frapin Process [5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Lehrer, Suzanne (2011-05-12). "From Cognac to Perfume by P. Frapin & Cie". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 2015-01-05.
  2. ↑ Gallagher, Zack (2014-02-16). "13 Irish contenders for the 2014 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards". Irish Central. Retrieved 2015-01-05.
  3. ↑ "History". Cognac Frapin. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "The Rich History of Cognac Frapin and Its Two Unique Cellars - Cognac.com". cognac.com. 2023-12-24. Retrieved 2023-12-24.
  5. ↑ "Video: Frapin Cognac Cellar Master, Patrice Piveteau, Discusses the Frapin Process - Cognac.com". cognac.com. 2023-11-17. Retrieved 2023-12-24.

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