The Frapins: 20 Generations of Winemakers and Distillers
“Frapin cognacs stand out for their exceptional quality, characterized by subtle, misty notes of balsam and mocha, with a smooth, lasting finish. I adore these exceptional, almost creamy, cognacs!”
— Denis Marsan, Director of Business Development, Galleon
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 balance of humidity and temperature. These geological features are identical to those of Reims, in Champagne, which is the origin of the appellation’s name. This exceptional terroir has all the qualities needed to grow excellent grapes to full maturity. With its 240 hectares, Frapin is the largest contiguous vineyard in Grande Champagne.
The Frapin Touch
Distilled in Charentais copper pot stills and aged in Limousin oak casks, Frapin cognacs benefit from a unique maturation process alternating between damp and dry cellars. This technique produces refined and elegant cognacs appreciated around the world.
Unique Tastings
“A tasting of 1870 Folle Blanche cognac [produced prior to the vineyard’s destruction by phylloxera], served in demijohns in our venerable tasting 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 major figure in Renaissance humanist literature: 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. A lover of aged spirits, Gobert discovered the house when a knowledgeable acquaintance offered him a bottle of Cognac Frapin Vintage 1992, his birth year. The magic of the tasting worked its charm, but it was the in-person meeting at Frapin and the sharing of common values that truly sealed the partnership.
From July 2021, Rudy Gobert became Frapin’s ambassador in North America. This collaboration helps strengthen Frapin’s presence across the Atlantic and supports upcoming releases, including Cognac Frapin VSOP.
In December 2020, Rudy Gobert signed the richest contract ever awarded to a center in basketball league history. A two-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year (2018, 2019 and 2021), the 7-foot-1 athlete nevertheless remains grounded. Ambitious and demanding, yet deeply respectful and hardworking, the basketball star embodies values that resonate with the Frapin family.
Behind the Cognacs
Patrice Piveteau
Born in Charente, Patrice Piveteau studied viticulture, oenology, and business administration before joining Cognac Frapin in 1991, where he introduced sustainable viticultural practices. Twenty years later, he became CEO and Cellar Master. Today, he ensures the consistent quality and signature style of all Frapin cognacs.