Armagnac basically offers all the features of a luxurious spirit – but is not known to anyone interested in excellent wines. Appreciate the insiders Armagnac all the more. Before buying, everyone should ask what the luxury spirit is for. Should the noble drop be enjoyed in select company or alone? Are you looking for a fine, elegant spirit for individual enjoyment? Should an ingenious gift be found for a special occasion or for special people? For each of these reasons is the exquisite Armagnac the optimal choice.

The first documented production of the brandy Armagnac was mentioned in documents in 1461. The name Armagnac goes back to the old French province of Armagnac / Gascogne. This ranges from Toulouse to the Bay of Biscay.

Different variants of the Armagnac

If an Armagnac has less than 40 percent alcohol, the protected name may not be used. This brandy may appear in commerce then only as Eau-de-Vie. Genuine Armagnac is made from special, legally named grape varieties. Differences in the individual fires result from the attached flavors of the respective manufacturer, which they add to the base wine before distilling. If, for example, more plums are added, a much sweeter taste is created. Selected herbs give the Armagnac, for example, a certain spiciness. The duration and the type of stock of the Armagnac also determine the final quality of the taste.

Armagnac – common names and storage times before bottling

For example, ‚Blanche Armagnac‘ is a crystal-clear, white Armagnac that has floral and fruity aromas. The basis of the brandy is a basic wine, which is one hundred percent from the Folle Blanche (white wine grape) is won. The ‚Blanche Armagnac‘ gets its maturity not in wooden barrels, but very often in stainless steel tanks (inert containers).

To mark the age of Armagnac, special names circulate in the trade. Traditionally, Armagnac ‚Three Stars‘ have a minimum shelf life of 24 months. The abbreviation ‚V.S.‘ (Very Special) and the terms ‚De Luxe‘ and ‚Sélection‘ guarantee a minimum storage period of 36 months. Edler Armagnac named ‚Premiér Choix‘, ‚Superieur‘ and ‚Grande Sélection‘ promises at least four years of storage. The abbreviation ‚V.O.‘ or names like ‚Grande Fine‘ and ‚Réserve‘ inform about a minimum of five years storage of the brandy.

Noble Armagnac is specially marked

For example, six years of minimum storage will be spent on a valuable Armagnac with ‚Extra‘, ‚Vieille Réserve‘ or ‚X.O.‘ characterized. Armagnac, who has spent at least ten years in the warehouse, is labeled ‚Hors d‘ Age ‚or‘ Millésime ‚. In the case of the latter, the year of harvest and the maturing period within the barrels (before bottling) must also be mentioned.

In 2013, new labeling requirements were established according to which the one- / three-year storage period for Export Armagnac was replaced by ‚V.S.‘ is marked. The French trade leads Armagnac with the mentioned storage under the label ‚three stars‘. The abbreviation ‚V.S.O.P.‘ indicates a barrel storage of four to nine years, ‚Napoléon‘ against six to ten years. Armagnac, who spends between 10 years and 19 years in the warehouse, receives an ‚X.O.‘ for the market abroad. – on the French market a ‚Hors d‘ Age ‚. An identification with ‚X.O. Premium ‚reveals that an Armagnac spent over 20 years in storage before bottling.

How is Armagnac served stylishly?

The precious brandy from France has proved to be an excellent digestive. Armagnac is ideally in a Cognacschwenker, possibly even medium wine glass, served at room temperature. The fine aroma can develop particularly well when the round glass is heated in the hand. If the bottle of Armagnac is open, it can be edible for several months. Unopened as well as already opened Armagnac bottles should always wait cellar cooling and standing up for the next event.