Armagnac … Affordable Luxury

Brandy, in all of its forms, is rapidly gaining in popularity in this country. Unfortunately, many brandy drinkers are unfamiliar with some of the other products of a similar type that are available. Have you ever heard of Armagnac (Arm an yak)? To the uninitiated, it is a brandy that seems similar to Cognac, but to those who know, they are worlds apart. Both are French; both come from southwestern France and both are distilled spirits; and that is where the similarity ends.

Gascony, the district in France that gave birth to D’Artagnan, of The Three Musketeers fame, is also the home of Armagnac. Gascons are known for their hot spirit, passion and love of life. All of these and more are epitomized in the brandy they make; Armagnac.

The grape varieties used for Armagnac are the folle blanche, colombard, ugni blanc and the baco, while it is the single variety, ugni blanc, that is used to make Cognac. The type of soil in which the grapes are grown is also different, as is the climate. An Armagnac is distilled only once and to a lower alcohol level than Cognac which helps to preserve more of the natural flavors. An Armagnac will have an earthy flavor component and will show a deeper more obvious set of fruit flavors. They do however, share some very important similarities, both are smooth, elegant, and immensely enjoyable.

Sempé V.S.O.P. Armagnac ($48/750ml). One could call this “a very obvious brandy” for two reasons. The first is the distinctive triangular bottle; the second is that the V.S.O.P. is the strong foundation that Sempé has built its reputation upon. The V.S.O.P. epitomizes all of the qualities one seeks in a fine and elegant brandy. The subtle aroma of the plums, prunes and violets grown in the Armagnac region can be easily detected in its distinctive bouquet. On the palate this brandy is extraordinarily smooth, with absolutely no harshness or rough edges. An Armagnac such as the Sempé V.S.O.P. is an excellent way to end a gala dinner or as a beverage for quiet contemplation.

Castarede V.S.O.P. (Very Special Old Pale) Armagnac ($59.99/750ml). Castarede V.S.O.P. shows a medium golden color derived from being aged ten years in barrels made from the local black oak and features an aroma of apricots, vanilla, and dried fruits and nuts. The flavor shows a good bit of oak and dark fruits with a background of vanilla and citrus all ending in a peppery finish. It is a brandy we are sure you will enjoy.

Castarede Reserve de la Famille Armagnac ($79.99/750ml) is a blend of Armagnac’s that have been oak barrel aged for 20 years resulting in a beverage vibrant golden color that is superbly smooth and incredibly full flavored. The oak does not overpower the essence of the grape but rather mingles with it to add many more layers of flavor to an already flavorful brandy. There are few brandies that can come close to the finesse and quality of the Castarede Reserve de la Famille Armagnac.

Chateau de Laubade XO (Extra Old) Bas Armagnac ($59.99/750ml) is a blend of brandies that have been aged for 12 to 25 years in black oak to soften and mellow this Armagnac while adding many extra layers of complexity, flavor and aroma. This is a multifaceted, mature Armagnac with a warm deep copper color, delicate flavor, good depth and a smooth finish and will definitely reflect your commitment to the very best.

Chabot V.S.O.P.Deluxe Armagnac ($69.99/750ml). Chabot V.S.O.P. Deluxe Armagnac is an exclusive blend of specially selected brandies with a very attractive pale gold color that has been aged to perfection and endowed with a superb texture and bouquet. This is a complex, mature Armagnac with a delicate flavor, good depth and a smooth finish. The aroma displays plum with a background of almond which carries over to the flavor. The finish heads in a different direction by accenting fresh ground spice with a hint of burnt sugar.