Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1964
DESCRIPTION
The Story
In the heart of Bas-Armagnac, Maison Baron Gaston Legrand, founded in Lannepax over a century ago, perpetuates the art of vintage eaux-de-vie. This 1964 vintage perfectly embodies the elegance of the Gascon terroir: a spirit patiently aged in oak barrels for several decades, where time has chiseled every nuance. Today, the Lhéraud family watches over this living heritage, a symbol of rare and timeless expertise.
The Vinification
Distilled at a low proof according to the traditional method, this Bas Armagnac has aged slowly in Gascon oak barrels, whose natural porosity ensures subtle micro-oxygenation. The sandy-clay soils, rich in iron oxides and known as sables fauves (tawny sands), impart finesse and structure to the eau-de-vie. With over fifty years of aging, this 1964 vintage illustrates the perfect balance between aromatic complexity, power, and elegance.
The Tasting
The Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1964 opens with a deep nose where walnut, prune, fern, and delicate notes of vanilla mingle. On the palate, the eau-de-vie reveals itself to be round and generous, with a supple and harmonious texture. The aromatic complexity unfolds gradually, blending woody and fruity nuances with elegant persistence. The long and warm finish prolongs these subtle aromas, making this vintage a great Bas Armagnac to savor or keep.
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 round and warm 1964, combining power and elegance. The nose is deep with walnut, prune, fern, and vanilla. The palate is supple and generous. Long and warm finish, with an elegant persistence of woody and fruity nuances.
Bas Armagnac 1964 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice