Armagnac

Let's start with the basics: what is Armagnac? Born in the heart of the valleys of Gascony, armagnac is recognised as France’s oldest eau-de-vie. It was first mentioned in the 14th century by Cardinal Vital Dufour. Long before it became a spirit for tasting, this elixir – regarded as a water of immortality – was part of the tradition of medieval potions at that time.

In the 17th century, Armagnac moved from apothecaries to dining tables, becoming a true consumer product. Trade in the spirit flourished thanks to the rivers of Gascony, which facilitated its transport to other parts of Europe. The 19th century marked a painful turning point with the phylloxera crisis, which ravaged the vineyards of Gascony. However, the tenacity of the producers led to a gradual revival. In 1909, a decree officially defined the production area. In 1936, Armagnac was granted the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status, recognising centuries of expertise.

Gascony, in south-western France, is recognised as the birthplace of Armagnac. The vineyards stretch across parts of the Gers, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne departments. Here, around 5,000 hectares of vineyards are dedicated to the production of this eau-de-vie with such character. The Armagnac wine-growing region is divided into three crus, each with soils possessing unique characteristics: Bas-Armagnac, Ténarèze and Haut-Armagnac.

To be recognised as Armagnac AOC, the composition and production stages are governed by strict specifications, guaranteeing tradition and excellence.

Of the ten varieties authorised by the Armagnac AOC specifications, four stand out:

• Ugni Blanc: producing wines that are high in acidity and low in alcohol, this grape variety yields fine, full-bodied and well-balanced eaux-de-vie.
• Colombard: bringing freshness and liveliness, this variety is characterised by its fruity and spicy aromas.
• Folle Blanche: decimated by phylloxera, this variety is now very rarely grown. It produces floral eaux-de-vie that are particularly refined and elegant.
• Baco: a hybrid resulting from a cross between Folle Blanche and Noah, this grape variety brings roundness and notes of ripe fruit.

You may be wondering: armagnac vs cognac? Both originating in south-western France, cognac and armagnac share the same base: white wine. Nevertheless, there are numerous differences between them. The two appellations are separated by around 300 kilometres. The soils of the Cognac AOC, which are predominantly limestone, produce more rounded eaux-de-vie. Those of the Armagnac AOC, composed of sand, clay and sediment, lend greater complexity and character.

When it comes to grape varieties, Ugni Blanc reigns almost unchallenged in the Cognac AOC. In Armagnac, ten grape varieties are authorised, with Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Folle Blanche and Baco leading the way. As for distillation, Armagnac relies mainly on Armagnac-style continuous stills, producing intense eaux-de-vie. Cognac is the result of double-heated distillation in pot stills, yielding a finer, more refined eau-de-vie.

After distillation, Armagnac has an alcohol content of 54°. During ageing, the evaporation of alcohol allows this eau-de-vie to reach 40° to 45° by the time it is sold. Cognac, which is originally stronger (72° after distillation), must be diluted with distilled water to reach 40° to 45° by the time it is sold.

Armagnac captivates with its diversity, both in terms of its terroirs and its age classifications.

Depending on the geographical area, Armagnacs are classified into three crus:

• Bas-Armagnac: also known as Armagnac noir, this terroir, situated in the west of the region, is characterised by soils consisting of light boulbènes and fawn-coloured sands. Bas-Armagnac produces fruity, smooth eaux-de-vie of great finesse.
• Haut-Armagnac: also known as ‘Armagnac blanc’, this cru has predominantly limestone soils, with some areas consisting of clay-siliceous boulbènes. This terroir produces eaux-de-vie with a fruity and delicate character.
• Ténarèze: the central region of the wine-growing area, characterised by its boulbène, clay-limestone and clay-sandy soils; this cru produces full-bodied eaux-de-vie with powerful aromas.

Armagnac is also categorised by age, depending on the length of time it has been aged in oak casks. These classifications refer to the age of the youngest brandy in the blend.

• Armagnac VS or 3 stars: aged for at least 2 years in cask.
• Armagnac VSOP or Very Superior Old Pale: aged for at least 4 years in cask.
• Armagnac XO or Extra Old: the youngest Armagnac in the blend is aged for at least 10 years.
• Armagnac Hors d’Âge: the youngest component is aged for more than 10 years.
• Vintage Armagnac: made from grapes harvested in a single year, this type of Armagnac may only be sold after 10 years.

With its wonderful variety of flavour profiles, Armagnac offers a unique sensory experience. This diversity means it can be enjoyed at different times.

Served as an aperitif, VS or VSOP Armagnac is best enjoyed with a few ice cubes, mixed with sparkling water or tonic water. An aged Armagnac, which is more complex and rich in aromas, is ideal as a digestif. It is best enjoyed at room temperature. To bring out the full range of aromas, Armagnac is best served in a tulip-shaped glass.

Armagnac Sour, Blanche Sunrise or Suprême d’Armagnac – these young Armagnacs, with their fruity aromas, are also perfect for cocktails.

Given the wide variety on offer, finding the right bottle of Armagnac can seem a bit of a challenge. Whether you’re looking to expand your collection or give a special gift, this guide will help you choose the best Armagnac for you.

For those who enjoy light and delicate brandies, a bottle of Bas Armagnac, with its aromas of vanilla, hazelnut or candied fruit, is just the thing. If you prefer a spirit that combines strength and depth, choose a Haut Armagnac. A Ténarèze Armagnac, on the other hand, is recommended for those who enjoy a full-bodied and more powerful brandy.

Thanks to its wide range of aromas and flavours, Armagnac is suitable for a variety of occasions. For an aperitif, choose young armagnacs such as a VS or VSOP. Fresh and less aromatic, they do not overwhelm the palate before the meal begins. To accompany a dessert, an XO Armagnac or a Hors d’Âge Armagnac pairs beautifully with indulgent chocolate or fruit-based desserts. For a digestif, opt for the complexity, strength and aromatic richness of an Armagnac aged for 20 to 25 years.

Whatever the occasion, Armagnac – a symbol of elegance and refinement – makes a wonderful gift idea. In this case, the choice of bottle depends largely on the recipient’s preferences. To introduce a novice to Armagnac, a VS Armagnac or a VSOP Armagnac, characterised by its freshness, is an ideal choice. For a discerning connoisseur, opt for a fine bottle of XO Armagnac, combining richness and elegance. And if you wish to surprise a connoisseur or a collector, a Hors d’Age Armagnac or a vintage Armagnac, presented in an elegant bottle, is a sure-fire choice.

When choosing a bottle, the Armagnac price is also one of the factors to bear in mind. One of the advantages of this brandy is that it is available to suit all budgets. The price depends on several factors, including its origin, whether it is aged or not, and whether it is a vintage or non-vintage brandy, ranging from £20 to over £200.

Choosing a bottle of Armagnac requires confidence and expertise. With our wide selection of vintages offering attractive value for money, detailed product descriptions and customer reviews, Vinatis will make the task easier for you. What’s more, an intuitive filtering system is available to help you narrow down your choice. Regular special offers allow you to expand your Armagnac collection at great prices. Finally, secure delivery and attentive customer service ensure a seamless experience.