Armagnac Tenareze Baron Gaston Legrand 1988
DESCRIPTION
The Story
From the Lannepax terroir, the historical cradle of Armagnac, the Baron Gaston Legrand 1988 vintage embodies the timeless nobility of the Ténarèze region. Patiently aged in oak barrels, this Cask Strength (Brut de Fût) testifies to the ancestral expertise of the house founded over a century ago, now under the aegis of Maison Cognac Lhéraud.
The Vinification
Distilled according to traditional methods, this Armagnac has matured for nearly forty years in oak barrels. Ténarèze and its clay-limestone soils are essential for the structure of the eau-de-vie (spirit). The Cask Strength (Brut de Fût) aging allowed for the development of exceptional roundness and aromatic complexity, notably through the contribution of notes of walnut and vanilla.
The Tasting
The Ténarèze Armagnac 1988 Cask Strength (Brut de Fût) seduces with its roundness and complexity. Its powerful nose blends gourmand notes of spice butter, dried fruits, walnut, prune, and vanilla. On the palate, the attack is direct and balanced, supported by rich and elegant tannins. Harmonious and aromatic, it offers a long and refined finish, full of freshness and subtlety, making this vintage a memorable tasting experience.
Region
Nouvelle Aquitaine
Gascony, a historic territory in southwestern France spanning the Gers, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne, is the birthplace of Armagnac, France's oldest eau-de-vie. This exceptional spirit, crafted since the 14th century, embodies the soul and tradition of this region with its strong character.
Armagnac is divided into three distinct appellations: Bas-Armagnac, the noblest cru with sandy-clay soils (sables fauves) that impart finesse and elegance; Ténarèze, whose clay-limestone soils produce powerful and structured armagnacs; and Haut-Armagnac, with harder clay-limestone soils. These terroirs rest on the Lannemezan alluvial fan, formed from Pyrenean erosion, creating ideal conditions for exceptional eaux-de-vie.
Traditionally distilled in a continuous still at low proof and aged in Gascon or Limousin oak barrels, Armagnac develops a harmonious aromatic palette: plum, prune, candied fruits, walnuts, vanilla, honey, spices, tobacco and noble rancio. Gascony perpetuates an ancestral savoir-faire producing expressive, elegant armagnacs, true witnesses of time and Gascon tradition.
Recommended for you:
I was struck by the richness of the nose, especially the notes of prune and walnut. On the palate, it is both powerful and surprisingly fresh. A very successful Cask Strength (Brut de Fût) Armagnac.
Armagnac Ténarèze 1988 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice