Frapin VSOP is the quintessential expression of this historic single-estate house in the heart of Grande Champagne. Harvested, double-distilled on the lees and aged entirely on the family domaine, it marries vibrant orange and dried-flower aromatics with supple vanilla and gentle spice. An elegant, versatile cognac that feels at home as an aperitif, at table, or as an indulgent digestif—perfect for gifting.
Tasting Notes & Experience
A warm orange hue from Limousin oak ageing. Aromas of candied orange, dried flowers and discreet vanilla lead to a harmonious, fruit-forward palate. Silky and balanced, it lingers with cinnamon and a pepper-spiced finish for beautiful aromatic persistence.
Key Details
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Producer: Frapin
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Type: Cognac (VSOP)
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Region: Grande Champagne, Cognac, France
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Vineyard: Single-estate (approx. 240 ha)
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Distillation: Double distillation on the lees in Charentais copper stills
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Ageing: Limousin oak (new then older casks)
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ABV: 40%
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Volume: 700ml
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Serve: Neat, a splash of water, or over a large cube; superb aperitif when lightly chilled
Craftsmanship & Story
The Frapin family has cultivated vines in Grande Champagne since 1270, crafting cognacs exclusively from their own estate surrounding Château de Fontpinot. Grapes are hand-harvested, wines distilled on the lees for extra depth, then matured across humid ground-floor and drier attic cellars to shape texture and complexity. VSOP captures the house’s signature: purity of fruit, floral finesse and poised, spicy length.
Special Features
True single-estate provenance from Cognac’s Premier Cru; distillation on the lees for aromatic richness; maturation in fine-grained Limousin oak to frame fruit without overpowering it. A remarkably versatile VSOP—refined enough for contemplative sipping, vivid enough to shine in classic cognac cocktails.
Cocktail Inspiration
Frapin VSOP’s bright fruit, subtle spice and elegant balance make it ideal for classic and modern cocktails. The Sidecar showcases its orange and citrus notes with liqueur and lemon. The Sazerac, originally made with cognac, gains depth from VSOP’s complexity. A Cognac Old Fashioned keeps the spirit centre stage. For something lighter, enjoy a refreshing Cognac Highball or try Frapin’s own Papounet Cocktail, a modern recipe that highlights VSOP’s spicy, fruit-forward vibrancy.
Recognition & Accolades
Celebrated for balance and premier-cru finesse, Frapin VSOP continues to earn top honours on the international stage.
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Gold: Meininger’s ISW – 2024 (Germany)
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Gold: International Spirits Challenge – 2021 (UK)
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Master: The Cognac Masters Asia – 2020
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95/100: Ultimate Spirits Challenge – 2020 (USA)
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Gold: The Cognac Masters – 2019 (UK)
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Gold: ISW – 2019 (Germany)
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Gold: International Spirits Challenge – 2018 (UK)
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97/100: Ultimate Spirits Challenge – 2017 (USA)
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Best VSOP: World Cognac Awards – 2016 (UK)
These awards underscore VSOP’s status as a benchmark single-estate cognac, prized for its aromatic intensity and seamless texture.
Food Pairing
Chilled as an aperitif with smoked salmon blinis or oysters; at table with roast chicken, pork loin or duck à l’orange; and after dinner with soft-ripened cheeses (Brie, Camembert) or aged Gouda. For dessert, try tarte Tatin, almond tart, dark chocolate or candied-orange treats—the citrus notes sing.
Perfect for Gifting or Sipping
Elegant, versatile and authentically single-estate, Frapin VSOP is a thoughtful gift for cognac lovers and culinary hosts alike—equally suited to celebration, refined dining or a quiet moment of indulgence.
Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery
Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.