Armagnac Brandy

Armagnac is a small region in the South-West corner of France and is accepted by many to be the oldest producer of wine-based brandy. This aromatic spirit is produced from a single distillation of white wine in proceeses strictly regulated by the rules of the four Armagnac appellations.

The region is separated into four strict areas of production - Armagnac Tenareze, Blanche d'Armagnac, Bas Armagnac and Haut Armagnac. Each of these appellations has its own individual influences lending each a different character to the resulting product. Variations in the climate and soil of the appellations (referred to as terroir) between the appellations lead to each having its own subtley distinct style.

There are 10 different grape varieties permitted in the production of Armagnac - Ugni Blanc, Baco Blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard being the four most important along with Jurancon and Graisse, among others. Baco Blanc has long been used in the production of Armagnac but as of the 2010 vintage will no longer be permitted as part of the Armagnac blend.