Frapin Fontpinot XO 750ML is a Grande Champagne cognac bottled at 41% ABV after 15 to 20 years of aging in dry cellars. Scored 96 points by Jason Wilson of Vinous in September 2019 and awarded five stars with a Highest Recommendation from F. Paul Pacult in The New Kindred Spirits (August 2021), this expression consistently ranks among the most acclaimed XO cognacs in its tier.Quick Facts: ABV: 41% (82 proof) | Origin: Grande Champagne, Cognac, France | Aged 15–20 Years | Distillery: Frapin, SegonzacProduction & HeritageFrapin is one of the oldest cognac estates, with vineyards situated entirely within Grande Champagne — the most prized of the six cognac crus and officially designated Premier Cru du Cognac. The house grows its own Ugni Blanc grapes and double-distills the wine over its fine lees in traditional copper pot stills, a method that adds weight and complexity to the resulting eau-de-vie. What distinguishes the Fontpinot XO from many competitors is its maturation environment: the casks rest in dry cellars — the attic-level chais — rather than the more common humid ground-level warehouses. This drier setting emphasizes fruit character and produces a finer, more elegant finish in the final blend.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with fresh flowers and mint before deepening into dried apricot, pastry dough, and a whisper of rancio. Subtle layers of white raisins and yellow plum emerge with time in the glass.Taste: The entry is satiny and honey-sweet, giving way to a mid-palate defined by great linear structure, nuttiness, and attractive acidity. Orange marmalade and pineapple notes thread through, balanced by a keen astringency that keeps each sip focused and lively.Finish: Surprisingly intense, closing on grilled walnut with lingering dried fruit and a trace of rancio. The length is considerable, fading slowly with persistent elegance.How to Drink Fontpinot XOA cognac of this age and complexity is best enjoyed neat in a tulip glass at room temperature; a few drops of water can open up the floral aromatics further. Its structure and depth also make it a compelling ingredient in spirit-forward cocktails. A Vieux Carré benefits from the walnut and rancio notes adding gravitas alongside rye. A Sidecar showcases the dried apricot and citrus character against orange liqueur and lemon. A Sazerac variation using Fontpinot XO in place of whiskey highlights the honey-sweet richness and spice.Best For Gifting a cognac enthusiast who values single-cru provenance After-dinner sipping following a rich, multi-course meal Building a curated collection of Grande Champagne expressions Celebrating a milestone anniversary or career achievement Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Fontpinot XO taste like? Fontpinot XO delivers a satiny, honey-sweet palate with dried apricot, nuttiness, and orange marmalade, finishing on an intense grilled walnut note. Attractive acidity and keen astringency keep it balanced rather than heavy.How does Fontpinot XO compare to Gautier XO? Both are elegant, fruit-forward XO cognacs, but Gautier XO leans toward vanilla and delicate floral tones while Fontpinot XO shows more pronounced rancio, nuttiness, and dried-fruit depth from its extended dry-cellar maturation. Fontpinot XO is also exclusively Grande Champagne, whereas Gautier sources from multiple crus.Is Fontpinot XO good for sipping neat? Absolutely — its 41% ABV, complex aromatics, and long walnut-driven finish make it an ideal neat-sipping cognac. The dry-cellar aging produces a finesse that rewards slow, contemplative drinking.Where is Fontpinot XO made? Fontpinot XO is produced by the Frapin distillery in Segonzac, located in the heart of the Grande Champagne region of Cognac, France. Grande Champagne holds the official designation of Premier Cru du Cognac, the highest-ranked terroir in the appellation.What foods pair well with Fontpinot XO? Aged Comté or Roquefort cheese complements the walnut and rancio character. Tarte Tatin mirrors the dried apricot and pastry-dough aromatics. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage highlights the nuttiness. Foie gras torchon echoes the honey-sweet richness. Toasted almonds provide a textural match for the grilled-nut finish.What sizes does Fontpinot XO come in? The standard expression is widely available in the 750ml bottle format.Is Fontpinot XO worth the price? Fontpinot XO positions as a premium XO cognac, and its exclusive Grande Champagne sourcing, 15-to-20-year aging, and critical acclaim — including 96 points from Vinous — place it among the strongest values in the upper tier of the XO category.Why Fontpinot XO?The defining differentiator here is the dry-cellar maturation, a deliberate choice that sets Fontpinot XO apart from the majority of XO cognacs aged in humid ground-level warehouses. That technique preserves and amplifies fruit character while encouraging a more refined, elegant finish. Backed by a 96-point Vinous score and F. Paul Pacult's rare five-star Highest Recommendation, the critical consensus confirms what the glass suggests: this is a Grande Champagne cognac punching well above its weight class. For drinkers who prioritize terroir transparency and finesse over sheer power, Fontpinot XO is one of the most compelling expressions in the category.
