Vieil Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1946
DESCRIPTION
The Story
Founded over a century ago in Lannepax, in the heart of Bas-Armagnac, Maison Baron Gaston Legrand embodies the noblest soul of Gascony. This 1946 vintage, hand-distilled and aged for nearly a century in oak barrels, bears witness to an unaltered expertise. Since 1998, the Lhéraud family has perpetuated this rare heritage, safeguarding a collection of historic vintages that make every bottle a true piece of history.
The Vinification
This rare vintage is mainly sourced from the Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Baco Blanc grape varieties. Distilled only once in a traditional low-proof still, it benefits from prolonged aging in old Gascon oak barrels, whose porosity allows for slow and controlled micro-oxygenation. This subtle interaction between the wood and the distillate enriches the aromas and softens the tannins, offering a harmonious structure and exceptional aromatic complexity.
The Tasting
On the nose, the Armagnac 1946 is captivating with its delicate notes of violet and cinnamon, along with gourmet touches of caramel and dried stone fruits. On the palate, it reveals a round and velvety texture, with a long and refined finish, a symbol of the ancestral savoir-faire of Maison Baron Gaston Legrand. Every sip offers a perfect balance between aromatic richness and softness, 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:
A 1946 of remarkable richness and softness. The nose is delicate with violet and cinnamon, along with gourmet touches of caramel. On the palate, it is round and velvety. Long and refined finish, offering a perfect and memorable balance.
Vieil Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1946, Exceptional Bas-Armagnac Vintage - Vinodelice