Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1981
DESCRIPTION
The Story
At 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 1981 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 low proof according to the traditional method and aged for a long time in Gascon oak barrels, this Bas Armagnac develops deep and harmonious aromas of candied fruits, prune, vanilla, honey, and sweet spices. The interaction with the wood allows for controlled micro-oxygenation, which softens the tannins and enriches the spirit's structure. The sandy-clay soils, rich in iron oxides, bring finesse, balance, and complexity to this exceptional vintage.
The Tasting
The Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1981 reveals an intense and harmonious nose, with notes of baked apple, apricot, and dried fruits. On the palate, it is both round and elegant, offering a perfect balance between power and finesse. The long and persistent finish unveils a subtle spicy thread, highlighting the complexity and harmony of this very beautiful vintage. To be enjoyed neat or given for a special occasion, this vintage is an example of the traditional excellence of Maison Baron Gaston Legrand.
Region
Gascogne
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:
This 1981 is round and elegant, with a rare complexity. The nose is intense and harmonious, with notes of baked apple, apricot, and dried fruits. The palate offers a perfect balance between power and finesse. Long and persistent finish, revealing a subtle spicy thread.
Bas Armagnac 1981 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice