The hidden world
or Armagnac
Today I would like to share with you one of those hidden
gems, like perhaps sherry, that due to change in trends or poor publicity get
usually overseen by most. So let me
share with you one of those secrets, an amazing product at a relatively low
price: Armagnac.
Basically Armagnac is a type of brandy produced in Gascony
(France). It has many similarities with Cognac, as it is also distilled from
grapes (Baco. Colombard, Folle Blance and Ugni Blanc), however unlike Cognac,
Armagnac is distilled twice rather than once, hence having more exposure to
wood which helps develop its complexity, aromas and flavours. After
distillation, Armagnac is aged in local oak casks, usually for a very long
time.
Armagnac is considered one of the first areas in France who
started distilling spirits, and in fact is even older than Cognac, although
less known.
Although some Armagnacs are vintage dated you will find that
most Armagnac is a blend of different vintages. In blended Armagnac, the label
indicates the age of the youngest wine in the blend, so you will also be
tasting some older vintages included in the blend.
The labelling system includes the following:
VS means the Armagnac has spent a minimum of two years in
cask.
VSOP and Reserve mean the Armagnac has spent a minimum of five
years in cask.
XO and Napoleon mean the Armagnac has spent a minimum of six
years in cask.
Hors d'Age requires ten years or more.
Typically, the older Armagnacs are better, more complex and
more expensive, but it's also important to choose Armagnac from a good
producer. I recommend the Chateau de Laubade which is being sold by the Wine
Warehouse in Vietnam, and it is great.
However the real jewels are the vintage Armagnacs, as you
can find really amazing bottles, going back several decades, at really
affordable prices. I was introduces to Armagnac by my friend Albin Roux, when
he came to a party at my home and brought half bottle of the 1985 vintage,
which was absolutely gorgeous. That got me started in the research, and
obviously in the tasting.
A few months later the Wine Warehouse made my day as they
started bringing a selection of vintages to Vietnam (they currently have in
stock vintages going back to 1944) so with my birthday coming around I bought
the 1970 and the 1981, which I opened at a dinner at home with some friends to
close the evening. Needless to say that the Armagnacs were the star of the
night, not only for their age, but for the complexity, aromas and taste.
Apart from crazy people like me that buy d collect spirits
and wine, these vintage Armagnacs are a great present to wine and spirit
lovers, as you can buy your friends, family and business partners the vintage
Armagnac matching their birthday year. For collectors, the Wine Warehouse if
offering a free Armagnateque for people buying a minimum number of vintages,
but even if you buy a single bottle, you will have a great time enjoying it
with and impressing your friends.
Finally for those of you not yet convinced to try Armagnac,
you may want to know that originally Armagnac was drunk for medicinal purposes,
especially famous was Cardinal Vital du Four, who in the 14th
century claimed that Armagnac was therapeutic for 40 different illnesses, just
in case you needed another excuse to enjoy this amazing spirit!
I please contact me are you selling cognac I'm Robert originally from Illinois I'm a business owner here in Vietnam 09 09 7 :05 5021
ReplyDeleteNicely done. Very useful information
ReplyDelete