Cognac Frapin Château Fontpinot XO

Established in South-West France since 1270, 21 generations of the Frapin family have been, first wine growers and then distillers, and owners of 240 hectares of vineyards in Grande Champagne.

1270 - The Frapin family arrive in Charente.

Near the village of Segonzac were winegrowers at first, eventually becoming distillers.

1494 - Birth of François Rabelais

Son of Anne Catherine Frapin and Antoine Rabelais. Maison Frapin pays tribute to its illustrious forebear, the famous 16th century writer who, among other works, authored Gargantua and Pantagruel.

1534 - Jehan is made "Maître Queux-Sommelier"

Rabelais’s nephew, Jehan, is made “Maitre Queux-Sommelier” by KIng Francois I. This role gives him full dominion over the kitchens and the key to the king’s cellar.

1697 - The Frapin family coat of arms is born histoire

King Louis XIV awards a coat of arms to his apothecary, Pierre Frapin. The Frapin family coat of arms is born, made up of the fleur-de-lys, symbolising the king, and two trees, lepidodendrons, a symbol of apothecaries.

1872 - Château Fontpinot is completed

Henri Frapin adds three towers to the Chateau Fontpinot, finally completing the Chateau as we know it today.

1885 - Award for Cognac Frapin

Cognac Frapin wins a ‘First Order of Merit’ award at the International Exposition of New Orleans.

1889 - The gold medal for Cognac Frapin

The Universal Exhibition of Paris with its amazing glass palaces. These pavilions, revealing their intricate ironwork supports, celebrate the excitement and wonder of the Art Nouveau movement and the Industrial Revolution. In the midst of this exhilaration, Frapin cognacs are rewarded for their excellence. Gustave Eiffel himself awards a gold medal to Pierre Frapin.

1892 Construction of the iron framework of the Chai de Segonzac

Gustave Eiffel and his team construct the iron framework of the Chai de Segonzac at the Frapin Estate. This is the only example of Eiffel’s work in the region.

1895 - Henri Frapin's first car

Henri Frapin purchases a Panhard & Levassor, one of the first cars to be used on the roads in the region. One of only two left in the world, today it is on show at the Cognac Frapin Head offices. Amazingly, it still works!

1898 – Rewarded with a honour

Having replanted the vines destroyed by phylloxera, Pierre Frapin is rewarded by the Agricultural Committee of Cognac, with an honour for “Reconstituted vineyards: great culture”.

1900 - Gold medal

Universal Exhibition Paris: Cognac Frapin wins a gold medal.

1904 to 1927 - Diplomas

Cognac Frapin is awarded “Grand Prix’ at Universal and International Exhibitions in St Louis (1904), Milan (1906), Brussels (1910) and Madrid (1927).

1945 to 1966

Albert Frapin develops the vineyards around the Chateau de Fontpinot.

1967

Frapin XO VIP is the only cognac served on Concord and on British Airways First Class flights.

1990

Cognac Frapin is present in 75 countries around the world.

2003

29th April 2003: Frapin vintage 1948 is served at a dinner at 10 Downing Street for Queen Elizabeth II and her government ministers.

2008 - "Best Spirit in the World"

Multimillesime #1 is voted “Best Spirit in the World” at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC). A first for a cognac!

2012

Cognac Frapin is awarded the mark “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (EPV). The EPV mark is a recognition of excellence and is awarded by the French State to companies with a long heritage who continue a tradition and uphold rare, renowned or ancestral skills. To date, only three cognac companies have received the EPV mark.

2013 - "Excellence Française"

Cognac Frapin is given the “Excellence Francaise” label. Set up in 2009, each year Excellence Francaise selects the most dynamic companies and institutions in France. The award recognises the talent, creativity and innovation of the people from these companies in promoting (the influence of) France around the world.

Frapin Cognac Vintage 1991 wins the title of “Best Cognac of the Year” at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) in London.

2016

Frapin VSOP is awarded the title of “Best VSOP Coganc in the World” by the World Cognac Awards (UK).

The Frapin Cognac “Multimillesime no 6” is voted “Best Cognac in the World” by the World Cognac Awards.

Present day

Jean-Pierre Cointreau, grandson of Marie Frapin, is CEO of Cognac Frapin.