Armagnac Tenareze Baron Gaston Legrand 1996
DESCRIPTION
The Story
From the Lannepax terroir, the historical cradle of Armagnac, the Baron Gaston Legrand 1996 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 three decades in Gascon oak barrels. The clay-limestone soils of Ténarèze, renowned for yielding structured spirits, lend this vintage a beautiful liveliness/vivacity. The prolonged Cask Strength (Brut de Fût) aging allows the 1996 to fully express its aromatic richness.
The Tasting
The Ténarèze Armagnac 1996 Cask Strength (Brut de Fût) perfectly expresses the richness of the Ténarèze terroir. It unveils an intense nose marked by gourmand notes of spice butter, prune, and dried fruits. On the palate, the texture is round and balanced, supported by supple tannins and a beautiful liveliness. The finish is long and harmonious, offering a subtle spicy and woody persistence, typical of Armagnacs built for aging.
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:
A very gourmand vintage on the nose thanks to the notes of prune and spices. The roundness is present, but the vivacity maintains the balance. Ideal for a refined tasting.
Armagnac Ténarèze 1996 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice