Frapin

Inspiration for a fragrance can come from some truly unusual places. There is no doubt about that. Perfumers have said that their fragrances were inspired by a place they had visited or an experience they had. For another example, take the brand Frapin, a perfume house that began as a Cognac winery. Yes, you heard that right: a winery. What’s more, this family winery still exists today and remains in the same family’s hands in the Champagne region, while also having become a perfume house. How did that happen? Here’s the whole story. From a Cognac House to a Perfume House The family Cognac house was established in the heart of the Grande Champagne region, in the Château de Fontpinot area, in 1270. It has indeed remained a family business for 20 generations. What’s more, the owners of the Frapin Cognac house are still Geneviève Frapin and her husband, Max Cointreau. But unlike her great-grandfather’s legacy, their daughter, Beatrice Cointreau, decided to strike out in a new direction: perfumery. In fact, she was the one who introduced Frapin’s fragrance collection in 2002, with the brand’s first fragrance, called '1270', as a tribute to her family dynasty and its work. The name 1270 commemorates the year this Cognac house was founded by her famous great-grandfather. Frapin Since 1270, some people may of course raise an eyebrow at the remarkable fact that the family makes Cognac on the one hand and perfumes on the other. But when you think about it, despite being two different fields, it turns out there are certainly points of connection between making Cognac and making perfume. Ultimately, both involve extracting ingredients, with no shortage of sensuality and emotion. While the traditional family business refined its Cognac-making methods, seeking to control every stage of the process, the new venture came along and expanded the niche. It could certainly be said to broaden an approach that highlights the connection between two exceptional crafts. The Frapin Cognac house therefore decided to offer fragrances inspired by its Cognac, giving them a touch of history. The company says its production is traditional, much like the production of its Cognacs. According to the company, the fragrances are composed carefully and slowly. They believe in taking the time to develop and hone skills over the centuries. The origins and selection of the finest raw materials are also important, not to mention the creation of the most sophisticated compositions. In short, the house seeks to draw on its rich, long-standing experience and traditional reputation. Traditional Production The 1270 fragrance is composed of dried oranges, hazelnuts, dried plums, Cocoa seeds, Tonka bean and Coffee in its top notes. In the heart of the fragrance, spices and flowers from citrus trees were added alongside the nuts. In the base notes, you’ll find woods, as well as the scent of white Devash and Vanil. Anyone who has worn this fragrance, intended for both women and men, can attest that it lasts for a moderate amount of time on the skin and has a very pleasant, understated presence. If you’re wondering, it can be worn on pleasant autumn and winter nights. This is just one of many fragrances launched by the brand. To date, 14 fragrances have been launched for the brand, most of them from Frapin being intended for both women and men. The brand’s fragrances were created in collaboration with perfumers such as Sidonie Lancesseur, Bertrand Duchaufour, Jean-Marie Faugier, Anne-Sophie Behaghel, Eléonore de Massenet, Amélie Bourgeois, Marc-Antoine Corticchiato and Jérôme Epinette.