Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1971
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 1971 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 been slowly aged in Gascon oak barrels. The wood's porosity allows for controlled micro-oxygenation, promoting the softening of tannins and the development of remarkable aromatic complexity. The prolonged interactions between the eau-de-vie and the oak release woody, vanilla, and sweet spice notes, while preserving the freshness and finesse of the fruit. This careful aging lends the Armagnac 1971 a supple, velvety texture, perfectly balanced between power and elegance.
The Tasting
The Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1971 is captivating with its generous and complex nose: aromas of dried fruits, candied orange, walnut, and blond tobacco gradually unfold. On the palate, it is round, silky, and harmonious, with an intense aromatic richness that combines fruity, spicy, and lightly woody notes. The finish, long and persistent, reveals subtle nuances of honey, vanilla, and tobacco, testifying to the house's traditional expertise. It is a vintage that is both powerful and refined, offering a memorable tasting experience and exceptional aging potential.
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:
This 1971 is powerful and refined, with a supple and velvety texture. The nose is generous and complex with dried fruits, candied orange, and blond tobacco. The palate is round and silky. Long and persistent finish, leaving subtle nuances of honey and vanilla.
Bas Armagnac 1971 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice