Armagnac

Armagnac is a type of brandy that comes from the Gascony region of France, specifically from the departments of Gers, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne. This noble distilled spirit is made from white wine by single distillation in traditional copper stills, giving it a delicate, fruity and spicy character. After distillation, it is matured in oak casks where it acquires complexity, colour and deep notes of vanilla, wood or dried fruit.

Armagnac is considered the oldest spirit in France, with the first written mention dating back to 1310. It was in this year that the monk Prior Vital Du Four noted the medicinal properties of the distilled wine.

During the Middle Ages, Armagnac was mainly used as medicine, but in the 15th century its popularity spread thanks to merchants who sold it at markets in and around Gascony.

In the 17th century, armagnac began to be sold outside France, but its production was long limited by its local character. It was not until the 19th century that the production process was defined and the region was divided into three sub-zones: Bas-Armagnac, Ténarèze and Haut-Armagnac, which still determine the quality and style of Armagnac today.

Today, Armagnac is less well known than its more famous cousin, Cognac, but is considered a more authentic and rustic spirit with a rich tradition.