Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1961
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 1961 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 encourages subtle micro-oxygenation. The sandy-clay soils of Bas-Armagnac, rich in iron oxides and known as sables fauves, lend the spirits their aromatic finesse and elegant structure. With over sixty years of aging, this 1961 vintage illustrates the perfect balance between the power of the wood and the delicacy of the fruit.
The Tasting
The Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1961 unveils an ample/full and silky palate, carried by a remarkable balance. The nose opens with generous notes of walnut and prune, enhanced by vegetal touches of fern and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, nuances of blond tobacco and noble wood gradually appear, testifying to long and mastered aging. Deep, elegant, and harmonious, this 1961 vintage is an exceptional eau-de-vie, ideal for gifting or savoring on memorable occasions.
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:
An ample/full and harmonious 1961, of remarkable elegance. The nose is generous, marked by walnut, prune, and fern. The palate is silky, evolving toward blond tobacco and noble wood. Deep and balanced, this vintage is ideal for a memorable occasion.
Bas Armagnac 1961 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice