Armagnac Producers

Armagnac is the oldest French "eau-de-vie". Its origins can be traced up to the Middle Ages. Armagnac is only distilled once where Cognac is distilled twice. In fact, Armagnac versus Cognac differ in grapes, terroir, distillation, élevage, blending, aromas, tastes and textures. The history of Armagnac precedes that of Cognac by about 150 years.

Armagnac is made from distilled wine with nine permitted grape varietals. Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Bacco are the most common grapes. The Folle Blanche is low in alcohol yet high in acidity. However, the Folle Blanche has a history of low yields and high disease, so it now comprises a mere 3% of the Armagnac grape vineyards. The Ugni Blanc in Charente dominates a considerable 98% of the Charente vineyards. Colombard is a more neutral, safe grape for Armagnac mainly utilized for South West France’s Côtes de Gascogne wines. The Bacco 22-A is a hybrid which the AOC has mandated must be phased out by 2010.

Armagnac grapes grow in a different soil than the Cognac grapes. The Armagnac region is demarcated into three smaller regions: Bas-Armagnac, Ténaréze, and Haut-Armagnac. Bas-Armagnac soil is the lowest in altitude but highest in quality-oriented producers, particularly the significant Les Landes department in the Northwest. The iron-rich soil is sand-based, and the Bacco and Ugni Blanc flourish there. Clay and limestone soil in Ténaréze yield mainly Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes for Côtes de Gascogne wines or Floc de Gascogne, the Armagnac region's equivalent of Pineau des Charentes. Haut-Armagnac has less vineyards and more limestone soil, largest geographically but least notable.

When the producers distill Armagnac, they heat the wine to boiling, condense its vapors, and then return the steam to liquid. Traditional armagnac is distilled once in a small continuous still called an alambic, which is often transported from one producer to the next between the months of November and January.

Armagnac is traditionally aged in a 400-420 liter oak cask known as an une pièce armagnacaise. Whereas Gascon oak was once commonly used, lack of natural resources now warrants an increased usage of oak from the Limousin forest. The differences between the two types of oak are not tremendous: Gascon oak tends to give more tannin, Limousin more vanilla. Adjusting time levels in newer and second-use oak can compensate for each barrel's physical differences.

Here is our list of Armagnac Producers in France.

Armagnac Tasting Notes

* 1940 Château de Laubade Bas Armagnac Vintage: 40% Ugni Blanc, 30% Baco, 15% Colombard, and 15% Folle Blanche. An amber color with decadent caramel flavor to match. Elegant balance of oak, vanilla, spice and firewood.

* 1945 Saint Christeau Bas Armagnac: Carmel color with an exceptionally long and warm finish.

* 1966 Saint Christeau Bas Armagnac: Toasted pecans and pumpkin seed

* 1982 Laberdolive Bas Armagnac Domaine de Jaurrey: Nut and smoke flavors

* 1986 Baron de Lustrac Bas Armagnac Courros: Distinct apricot and peach aromas, very fruity and fills the mouth.

* 1993 N.V. Delord Bas Armagnac Napoléon: The flavor is primarily for the nose, floral, fruity, and complex. Apple, grape, and honey flavors are rounded with a touch of the burned wood and a short but sweet finish.

* 2007 Domaine Haut-Marin Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne En Bretagne d'Armagnac: Gooseberry scent combined with flint and lemon. More full than a Sauvignon Blanc, it has a long fruity finish of pineapple, grapefruit, and lemon. Mineral note finish.

* N.V. Marquis de Puységur Armagnac VS: Musty but gentle

* N.V. Baron de Sigognac Armagnac 10 ans: Vanilla with a touch of Orange, sweet and strong

* N.V. Baron de Sigognac Armagnac Très Vieille Réserve: Nose similar to Puységur VS Armagnac, with toffee. On the palate, smooth with chocolate and grape.

* N.V. Delord Bas Armagnac XO: Sweet, smooth apple notes, a simple drink with a short finish.

* N.V. Château de Laubade Bas Armagnac XO: Fruity flavors immersed in oak, long finish with fruit at the very end.
Read some interesting personal stories of the Armagnac producers!
Domaine Boingnères
Château de Briat
Château de Ravignan