Some bottles come and go over the years, whilst others become part of the furniture. And for us, Frapin Cognac is very much in the latter camp!

As we celebrate 20 years of Shenfield Wine Co, we’ve been looking back at some of the producers we’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years. One name that deserves a special mention is Cognac Frapin.

Frapin has been a firm favourite of ours for years — so much so that you could almost call it our ‘house’ Cognac. It’s the name we confidently recommend time and time again, whether you’re discovering Cognac for the first time or searching for something truly special.

And the proof is in the glass! We’ve seen customers who usually reach for big-name XO Cognacs completely won over by Frapin VSOP. It’s a wonderful reminder that quality, character and sheer drinking pleasure aren’t always about the biggest name or the oldest age statement. Sometimes, discovering a new favourite is simply a matter of knowing where to look.

Our relationship with Frapin goes far beyond simply stocking their Cognacs. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting tastings with their cellar master, Patrice Piveteau, giving our customers the rare opportunity to hear directly from the man responsible for crafting these exceptional spirits. It’s a chance to go beyond the label, discover the thinking behind each Cognac and gain insights you simply won’t find on a bottle or shelf.

 

And that’s what makes being an independent wine and spirits merchant so rewarding. We build relationships with the people behind the bottles, learn what makes their products truly special, and bring that knowledge straight to you. Whether it’s helping you discover a Cognac you’ll love, explaining why one bottle is worth choosing over another, or sharing the story behind a producer you’ve never encountered before, we want you to buy with confidence and enjoy every sip all the more.

We’re passionate about discovering the stories behind the bottles we sell. Seeking provenance is in our DNA.

Nish with Frapin Cognac cellar master, Patrice Piveteau.

A little about Cognac Frapin

Frapin is a family-owned cognac house with roots stretching back centuries. Based in the heart of Grande Champagne, the most prestigious of Cognac’s six growing areas, the family has been producing cognac from its own vineyards for generations.

And if you’re wondering, Grande Champagne has nothing to do with the sparkling wine! It’s the name of the region’s premier cru, renowned for producing eaux-de-vie with the finesse and ageing potential needed to make exceptional cognac.

What makes Frapin particularly interesting is that the entire production process takes place on the family estate, from growing the grapes and distillation through to ageing. This means that there’s a real sense of continuity in the way Frapin works. Traditional methods, an understanding of the land and the patience to let the cognacs develop over time are all central to what they do. It’s an approach we have a great deal of respect for at Shenfield Wine Co., and one of the reasons we’ve continued recommending their cognacs for so long.

Four Frapin cognacs worth getting to know:

Whether you’re relatively new to cognac or already have a favourite, the Frapin range offers plenty to explore. Here are four bottles we’re particularly pleased to have on our shelves and happily recommend to our customers:

Cognac Frapin VSOP Premier Cru de Cognac

This is an excellent introduction to the Frapin house style. If you’re relatively new to cognac, Frapin VSOP Premier Cru de Cognac is a very good place to start. Made exclusively from grapes grown in the Grande Champagne region, it’s a lovely example of the elegance and character that Frapin is known for.

On the nose, you’ll find aroma’s of orange, dried flowers and a little vanilla. Take a sip and those flavours develop into notes of cinnamon, pepper and gentle oak, with a beautifully rounded finish.

It’s a wonderfully approachable cognac, but there’s enough complexity to keep more experienced cognac drinkers interested too.

Our suggestion: This is a lovely cognac to enjoy after dinner, perhaps alongside a square or two of dark chocolate. Alternatively, try it with a little aged Comté cheese, which works particularly well with its fruity and gently spiced character.

Cognac Frapin XO VIP

Frapin XO VIP is a beautifully mature cognac, aged for several decades in the estate’s humid cellars, which help develop its wonderfully rounded character. It’s therefore perfect for when the occasion calls for something a little special.

On the nose, expect delicate floral aromas with subtle woody notes. Take a sip and you’ll discover a much richer character, with chocolate, dried fruits, candied fruit and gingerbread coming through. There’s plenty of complexity here, but it’s also remarkably smooth and well-balanced.

Our suggestion: Take your time with this one. Pour a small measure into a tulip-shaped glass, let it open up for a few minutes and enjoy it slowly. It’s a lovely choice for a special occasion, or simply when you fancy treating yourself to something rather good.

Cognac Frapin Cigar Blend XO

As many of our customers will know, wine and spirits aren’t our only passions at Shenfield Wine Co. We’re also rather partial to a good cigar! It probably won’t come as a surprise therefore that the Frapin Cigar Blend XO is a particular favourite.

Created specifically to complement fine cigars, this cognac is rich, rounded and full of character. Aged in Limousin oak barrels, it develops wonderful aromas of vanilla, walnuts, hazelnuts and dried fruit, alongside hints of old port and the distinctive woody character of a cigar box.

On the palate, you’ll find warm spices, dried fruits and a long, lingering finish. It’s the sort of cognac that has enough depth to stand up to a good cigar without overpowering it.

Our suggested pairing: We’d be tempted to try this alongside something for our humidor, a Cohiba Robustos. Its rich notes of espresso, cocoa, leather and gentle spice should complement the Frapin’s dried fruit, vanilla and toasted nut flavours beautifully. Both have plenty of character, making this a pairing worth taking your time over.

Of course, you don’t have to enjoy a cigar to appreciate this cognac. It’s a lovely dram in its own right, too!

Cognac Frapin Château Fontpinot XO

Château Fontpinot XO is one of Frapin’s most distinctive cognacs, produced entirely at the family’s Château Fontpinot estate, and is a wonderful example of what time and patience can achieve.

What makes it especially interesting is its long ageing in dry cellars, which helps concentrate the aromas and develop its elegant, complex character.

On the nose, you’ll discover dried apricots, figs, marzipan, hazelnuts and nougat, followed by subtle notes of port and the characteristic ‘rancio’ aromas associated with well-aged cognacs. The palate is rich and beautifully balanced, with dried and candied fruits and a particularly long finish.

Our suggestion: This is a lovely cognac to enjoy after dinner, especially alongside a little dark chocolate. It also pairs surprisingly well with mature cheeses, including Parmesan and blue cheese.

Here’s to good cognac and good relationships

After 20 years in business, we’ve tasted and recommended an enormous number of wines and spirits. But one thing has never changed: we only recommend bottles we genuinely believe in. Frapin is a perfect example of that.

We’ve enjoyed their cognacs, learned from the people who make them and had the pleasure of introducing them to our customers over many years. It’s a relationship we’re proud of, and one we hope will continue for many more.

So, if you’ve never tried Frapin, perhaps now is the time. And if you’re already a fan, we’d love to know which is your favourite.

Pop into Shenfield Wine Co. and have a chat with our team of friendly Wine Buffs. Whether you’re looking for a bottle to enjoy yourself, a gift for a cognac lover or the perfect pairing for a cigar, we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Here’s to 20 years of good taste, good company and some very good cognac. Cheers! 🥃