Armagnac
Armagnac claims a longer history than Cognac, probably introduced by the Moors at some point during the 12th century. It is the second largest spirit producing region in France, located in Gascony, which is southeast of Bordeaux. The region is famous not only for this complex spirit, but also for fois gras and the Three Musketeers.
The vineyards are divided into three regions: Bas Armagnac has the highest reputation; the other two are Tenereze and Haut Armagnac. Folle Blanche, Bacco, and Ugni Blanc (the same Trebbiano from Italy) are the primary grapes used for the base wine distillate. The wine undergoes a single distillation in a special kind of batch still that is unique to the appellation. The final spirit has an abv of 60%, which is lower than that made in a normal pot still after a set aging regime is typically characterized by a rounded, full-body with notes of dried fruit.
Four Key Differences Between Armagnac and Cognac:
- Armagnac predates Cognac by several decades.
- Armagnac is the product of a single distillation whereas Cognac undergoes double distillation.
- The wood used Cognac for aging is Limousin oak; in Armagnac, black Gascon oak casks are used.
- Cognac is made primarily from Ugni Blanc, whereas Armagnac is made from Bacco, Folle Blanche and Ugni Blanc.
Winebow is pleased to offer Chateau Busca from Tenereze.
