Frapin Cuvée Rabelais Cognac

Frapin Cuvée Rabelais Cognac

Distinguished by its elegant aromatic complexity, Rabelais Cuvée Cognac was inspired by the humanist and writer François Rabelais, whose work celebrates the love of life. Rabelais is also an ancestor of Pierre Frapin the founder of Maison Frapin.

Like all Frapin Cognacs, the Cuvée Rabelais comes exclusively from the Frapin estate: 240 hectares of vines (600 acres) located in the heart of Grande Champagne, the premier cru of the six terroirs that make up the Cognac Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée. Benefiting from the best exposure and clay-limestone soil that perfectly regulates humidity and temperature, this gentle hilly terroir produces the most prized eaux-de-vie which is later aged in the “Paradis cellars”.

Taking the necessary time, even several decades, for the eaux-de-vie to reveal full complexity, the aging process is coupled with monitoring the concentration of aromas. Thus, over the years, each cask is placed either in a dry cellar to underline the finesse and elegance of the eau-de-vie, or in a humid cellar to bring roundness and suppleness.

The Frapin “Paradise cellars” house an exceptional collection of rare eaux-de-vie, including those used in the blending of the Cuvée Rabelais.

Presentation of the bottle

This unique decanter is the work of a prestigious French manufacturer: the Cristallerie Saint-Louis. Thanks to know-how passed down over more than four centuries of history, its master glassmakers and master cutters have patiently blown, cut and then hand-decorated the decanter with 18-carat gold.

Allowing Rabelais Cuvée to appear as a shimmering amber drop suspended in the light. Its bold design and rounded base are highlighted by subtle concentric layers that magnify the golden reflections of the exceptional Cognac contained within. The neck of the precious bottle, sheathed in gold, is engraved with a vine branch, evoking the marvel of the Charente region. The bottle stands on a base gilded with 24-carat gold, a goldsmith’s work, which is polished, assembled by hand, with lines echoing the gentle curves of the precious bottle. Each numbered decanter of the Cuvée Rabelais is set in a lacquered wooden case.

Such a truly inspirational bottle design inspires a memorable tasting ritual – simply remove its cut crystal cabochon to inhale the Cuvée Rabelais patchwork of complex aromas. 

How to enjoy 

Cognac Frapin Cuvée Rabelais is best enjoyed neat at room temperature. After taking the first sips, let this well-aged Cognac rest in the tulip glass for a few minutes. Next, slowly inhale and absorb the new aromas that fill your senses. This way you can appreciate all angles of the product and will be able to enjoy it for all its worth. The cellar master’s tip: when inhaling, close your eyes and take in the Cognac, as you focus on the senses – let your imagination run wild and the memories speak for themselves.