BAS-ARMAGNAC


Armagnac is widely recognised as the oldest spirit in France.  For over 500 years - first recorded in 1411, Armagnac has been produced in the heart of Gascony; now known as the Gers region of South West France, in what has been, since 1936, AOC an controlled area. 

Drinking Armagnac is a treat for all the senses.  Look at its bright, finely shaded colour; warm it in the hollow of your hand to release its aromas of fruit, flowers, spices and that elusive nutty taste known as "rancio".  Finally, sip it slowly to appreciate its strength, its smoothness and its rich aromatic flavour.

Armagnac is made here at Domaine de Lauroux using traditional methods.  Following harvest, our Ugni-Blanc grapes are pressed then fermented.  The wine is usually acidic with a low alcohol content, and is carefully stored to ensure it retains its freshness and aroma until distillation takes place. 

The spirit, known as "blanche" emerges from the wood-fired alhambic still at anything between 52 and 58 degrees alcohol and is stored in a new oak barrels for the first  few years of aging to allow tannins to be absorbed from the wood, thus flavouring the Armagnac with hints of vanilla, candied fruit or prunes.  Later, the Armagnac is moved to older barrels to arrive at the perfect balance between tannins, aromas and wood.

Whilst stored in barrels, the brandy evaporates and loses some of its alcoholic strength - known locally as "the angels share", the colour of the Armagnac will change from clear to golden to mahogany.

Ageing can last for decades and requires enormous patience - only time can do the work.

Armagnac can be shipped worldwide complete with gift boxes and personalised labels to commemorate special occasions such as weddings, birthdays and christenings.  We can ship direct to UK or other European addresses and can accept payment by either cheque (euro or sterling) or Paypal.  Please email karen@lauroux.com for more details

Domaine de Lauroux offers the following millesimes in bottles of 20cl, 50cl, 70cl and 1.5 litres (magnum): 

VSOP             1987      1979      1969       1957       1946     1937     1929

10 Ans           1986      1978      1968       1952

Hors d'Age    1985     1974       1967      1950

15 Ans            1983     1972      1965

25 Ans           1982      1970      1964

                        1981                     1963

                        1980                     1962

                                                      1961

                                                      1960