Maison Frapin Our history
Founded in 1270, Cognac Frapin embodies excellence for 20 generations.
XIIIth century
1270
The Frapin family settled in Segonzac
Upon arriving in Charente, in the vicinity of Segonzac, the Frapin family was initially a family of winemakers.
XVth century
1494
Birth of François Rabelais
Son of Anne-Catherine Frapin and Antoine Rabelais. Maison Frapin pays tribute to this illustrious ancestor with the production of prestigious “Rabelais” cuvées. The feather on the Frapin logo is also in honor of this famous writer.
XVIth century
1534
Jehan is appointed 'Master Queux-Sommelier.
In 1534, François Rabelais' nephew, Jehan, was appointed 'Master Queux-Sommelier' by François I. Suffice it to say that he had full control over the kitchens and the key to the king's cellar.
XVIIth century
1697
Creation of the Frapin family coat of arms
King Louis XIV granted a coat of arms to his apothecary, Pierre Frapin. The Frapin family coat of arms was thus created, featuring the fleur-de-lis symbolizing the king and two trees, lepidodendrons, symbolizing apothecaries.
XIXth century
1872
Château Fontpinot is finished
Henri Frapin had the 3 towers of Château Fontpinot added, completing the château as we know it today.
1885
Award for Cognac Frapin
New Orleans International Exposition: Cognac Frapin wins the “First Degree of Merit” award.
1889
The gold medal for Cognac Frapin
Time stood still above the glass palaces of the 1900 World's Fair in Paris. The pavilions, revealing their lace-like iron underpinnings, celebrate industrial excitement and Art Nouveau. It is in this exhilarating atmosphere that Frapin cognacs are awarded for their excellence, with Pierre Frapin receiving the gold medal from Gustave Eiffel.
1892
Construction of the framework of the Segonzac Cellar
Gustave Eiffel and his team are constructing the framework of the Segonzac cellar within the Frapin estate. This is the only Eiffel work in the region.
1895
The first car of Henri Frapin
Henri Frapin purchased one of the first cars to travel the roads of the region, a Panhard & Levassor. Displayed at the Cognac Frapin headquarters, only two of these cars remain in the world. It is still operational.
1898
Honorary award for Cognac Frapin
Pierre Frapin, having replanted his vines destroyed by phylloxera, receives an honorary award from the Comice Agricole de Cognac for “reconstituted vineyards: large-scale cultivation”.
XXth century
1900
Gold medal
Exposition Universelle de Paris: Cognac Frapin wins gold medal.
1904
Diplomas
Cognac Frapin received Grand Prix diplomas at the World or International Exhibitions in St. Louis (1904), Milan (1906), Brussels (1910), and Madrid (1927).
1945
Development of the vineyard.
Albert Frapin developed the vineyard around the Château de Fontpinot.
1967
XO VIP served on Concordes
Frapin XO VIP Cognac is the one and only cognac served on Concordes and British Airways “First Class” flights.
1990
Worldwide presence
Cognac Frapin is present in 75 countries worldwide.
XXIth century
2003
Frapin 1948 served at the Queen's dinner.
The vintage Cognac Frapin 1948 was served at '10 Downing Street' during the dinner bringing together the Queen of England and her ministers.
2008
"World's best spirit"
"Multimillésime n°1 Frapin" voted "World's Best Spirit" at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) in London. A first for a cognac!
2013
French Excellence
Cognac Frapin is labeled 'French Excellence.' Created in 2009, the French Excellence awards distinguish each year the most dynamic companies and institutions in various sectors of our country, represented by men and women who, through their talent, creativity, and innovation, contribute to the prominence of France in the world. In 2013, Frapin Cognac 'Vintage 1991' won the title of 'Best Cognac of the Year' at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) in London.
2024
President of Cognac Frapin
Jean Pierre Cointreau, grandson of Marie Frapin, is President of Cognac Frapin.