Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1986
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 1986 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, the Bas Armagnac 1986 develops a refined aromatic palette: dried almonds, sweet spices, walnut, prune, and vanilla. The oak barrel aging promotes controlled micro-oxygenation, which softens the tannins and enriches the aromatic complexity, with harmoniously integrated woody and vanilla notes.
The Tasting
The 1986 vintage captivates with a delicate bouquet of dried almonds and sweet spices, mingled with the classic notes of walnut, prune, and vanilla. On the palate, the eau-de-vie (spirit) is sapid, round, and generous, offering a subtle balance between finesse and intensity. The finish is long and elegant, testifying to the richness and excellence of the Ténarèze terroir and the expertise 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 1986 is sapid, round, and of great richness. The bouquet is delicate, marked by dried almonds and sweet spices, with notes of walnut and prune. The palate is generous, offering a subtle balance between finesse and intensity. Long and elegant finish, a reflection of the excellence of Bas-Armagnac.
Bas Armagnac 1986 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice