Description:

Armagnac is a speciality brandy of the Gascony region of South West France.

Armagnac is the oldest wine based eau-de-vie produced in France, pre dating both brandy and Cognac.  Its production is based in the old Gascony region, which today mainly comprises the Gers department in the Midi-Pyrenees.

It has a single distillation process, using white wine and is then left to age in oak barrels.  It is produced in relatively small quantities by winemakers and vineyards.  The grading system runs from youngest to oldest; VS, VSO and VSOP.  The letters stand for Very, Special, Old, Pale.

It is available as a single production or as a blend of Armagnacs.  In the case of a blend, the grading refers to the youngest Armagnac used in that blend.

The grading system is being revised and the following grades will be used in the future;

Three star

Aged more than one year

Used for cocktails or cooking

VSOP

Aged more than four years

Introductory Armagnac, value for money

Hors d’Age

Aged more than ten years

Excellent taste, aroma and complaexity

Vintage

Aged more than ten years

Exceptional taste – for the connoisseur

Want to know more about Armagnac and other speciality drinks of the Midi-Pyrenees?  Have a look at the Midi-Pyrenees wines and spirits group in MyGuide2.

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