A Remarkable Vineyard

The Frapin family came to Charente in 1270, initially as winegrowing proprietors, then as distillers and traders. The vineyard was replanted in 1880 by Pierre Frapin following the phylloxera epidemic, which destroyed the Folle Blanche planted in the hills. Only Ugni Blanc is grown today, entirely in Grande Champagne. 

Why a Grande Champagne Appellation for Cognac?

The Frapin vineyards consist of crumbly limestone soil, ensuring a perfect blend of humidity and temperature. These geological features are identical to those of Reims, in Champagne, the source of the appellation’s name. This outstanding land has all the qualities needed to grow excellent grapes through maturity. Frapin, with its 240 hectares, is the largest contiguous Grande Champagne vineyard.

The Frapin Touch

Distilled in Charentais copper pot stills, then poured into Limousin oak casks, Frapin cognacs are aged through a unique process alternating between periods in damp and dry cellars. This technique produces fine, elegant cognacs, enjoyed the world over.

Unique Tastings

“A tasting of 1870 Folle Blanche cognac [produced prior to the vineyard’s destruction by phylloxera] served in dame-jeannes in our venerable sampling room.”
- Patrice Piveteau, CEO and Cellar Master.

Last but Not Least - An Author in the Family!

In the late 15th century, Anne-Catherine Frapin gave birth to a child destined to become a key figure in the humanistic literature of the Rennaissance—François Rabelais. The golden pen incorporated in the Frapin logo pays tribute to this illustrious family member—without whom the expression “divine bottle” would not exist.

Cognac Frapin & Rudy Gobert, a partnership that makes sense

The meeting between Rudy Gobert and Frapin was born through friendship. Gobert is a lover of old spirits. A connoisseur acquaintance of his offered him a bottle of Cognac Frapin Vintage 1992, his birth year. The magic of the tasting did the work… However, it was the meeting, in the flesh, at Frapin and a sharing of common values that sealed the deal.

From July 2021, Rudy Gobert will become Frapin’s ambassador to North America, the perfect match to increase the presence of Frapin on the other side of the Atlantic and to support upcoming releases, including the Cognac Frapin VSOP.

In December of 2020, Rudy signed the richest deal for a center in the basketball league history. He has been an All-Star twice and named Defensive Player of the Year three times, in 2018, 2019 as well as this year of 2021. However, Gobert who stands 7 feet 1 inch, remains grounded and has the kindred spirit of a true gentleman. Trained like a precision mechanic, ambitious, demanding, the basketball star also remains deeply attached to the values of respect, work and pleasure.