Frapin Fontpinot XO Leather Case 750ML

Frapin Fontpinot XO Leather Case 750ML is a 100% Grande Champagne cognac made exclusively from Ugni Blanc grapes, bottled at 41% ABV in a 750ml presentation with a leather gift case. This estate-produced XO earned 98 out of 100 points and a Gold Medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2020, alongside a 5-star Highest Recommendation from F. Paul Pacult in The New Kindred Spirits (August 2021).

Quick Facts: ABV: 41%  |  Origin: Grande Champagne, Cognac, France  |  XO  |  Distillery: Frapin (Château de Fontpinot)

Production & Heritage

Frapin is one of the oldest cognac-producing families in France, with roots in the Grande Champagne region stretching back over two decades of centuries. Château de Fontpinot holds the distinction of being the only château to carry a 100% Grande Champagne appellation, meaning every step — from harvesting to distillation to aging — takes place on the family estate in Segonzac. The Ugni Blanc grapes are naturally fermented and then double-distilled on the lees, a traditional method that retains the sediment from fermentation to build texture, length, and additional layers of flavor complexity. The resulting eau-de-vie matures slowly in dry cellars, which concentrates the spirit while preserving aromatic finesse rather than encouraging rapid evaporation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The opening is distinctly floral — dried wild flowers and dried roses — followed by fresh mint and dried apricot. Deeper layers reveal vanilla, toasted oak, pastry dough, and delicate curry and saffron touches alongside early signs of rancio.

Taste: The palate enters with elegance and noticeable weight, moving from red fruit and baked pear into a concentrated mid-palate of walnuts, candied fruit, and cinnamon candy. A piquant thread of cayenne and black pepper runs alongside attractive acidity, lending structure and preventing any heaviness. The linear progression keeps flavors distinct and well-defined through each stage.

Finish: Surprisingly intense, the finish centers on grilled walnut with lingering vanilla and a subtle nuttiness. The length is considerable, a hallmark of quality Grande Champagne cognac, fading slowly with dry floral echoes.

How to Drink Fontpinot XO

Fontpinot XO is best appreciated neat in a tulip glass at room temperature, allowing the floral and rancio aromas to fully develop; a few drops of water can open up the dried fruit and spice layers further. Its depth and structure also make it a compelling base in three classic cocktails: a Vieux Carré, where its walnut and spice notes complement rye and sweet vermouth; a Sidecar, where the dried apricot and floral character amplify the citrus component; and a Sazerac variation, where the peppery backbone and vanilla richness stand up to absinthe and bitters.

Best For

• Gifting a cognac enthusiast — the leather case adds a refined presentation
• After-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or dessert
• Celebrating a milestone anniversary or career achievement
• Building a collection of single-estate Grande Champagne cognacs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Fontpinot XO taste like? Fontpinot XO delivers a layered profile of dried wild flowers, walnuts, candied fruit, and warm baking spices, with a piquant edge of cayenne and black pepper. The finish is long and walnut-driven with lingering vanilla.

How does Fontpinot XO compare to Rémy Martin XO? Rémy Martin XO is a Fine Champagne blend sourcing from both Grande and Petite Champagne, while Fontpinot XO is 100% Grande Champagne and entirely estate-produced at a single château. Fontpinot tends toward a drier, more floral and nutty profile with notable rancio character, whereas Rémy Martin XO is generally richer and more fruit-forward.

Is Fontpinot XO good for sipping neat? Fontpinot XO is ideal for neat sipping, as its complex aromatics and extended finish reward slow, unhurried drinking. The 41% ABV keeps the spirit approachable without sacrificing intensity.

Where is Fontpinot XO made? Fontpinot XO is produced entirely at Château de Fontpinot in Segonzac, situated in the Grande Champagne cru — the most prized growing zone in the Cognac appellation of southwestern France. The estate handles every stage from grape cultivation through distillation and aging on-site.

What foods pair well with Fontpinot XO? Dark chocolate truffles highlight the walnut and vanilla notes; aged Comté cheese mirrors the nutty, toasty character; foie gras matches the rich texture and dried fruit aromatics; roasted figs or pear tarte Tatin echo the baked fruit on the palate; and crème brûlée complements the vanilla and caramelized spice.

What sizes does Fontpinot XO come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the size included in this leather case presentation.

Is Fontpinot XO worth the price? Fontpinot XO positions as a premium XO cognac, and its 100% Grande Champagne pedigree, estate-only production, and critical recognition — including 98/100 from the IWSC and 96 points from Vinous — place it among the most respected expressions in its price tier.

Why Fontpinot XO?

What separates Fontpinot XO from the broader XO category is its single-estate, single-cru provenance: every drop comes from Ugni Blanc vines grown, harvested, fermented, distilled, and aged at one château in Grande Champagne. Distillation on the lees — a step many larger houses skip for efficiency — contributes measurable textural depth and aromatic complexity. The accolades back this up: 98/100 and Gold at the IWSC 2020, 96 points from Jason Wilson at Vinous, and F. Paul Pacult's rare 5-star Highest Recommendation. For anyone seeking an XO that reflects terroir rather than blending-house style, Fontpinot stands as one of the most transparent and rewarding examples available.