Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1972
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 1972 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, the Bas Armagnac 1972 has been aged extensively in Gascon oak barrels. The wood's porosity ensures slow micro-oxygenation, promoting the harmonious evolution of tannins and the development of aromatic complexity. This meticulous aging allows the wood to subtly release its aromatic compounds: vanilla, sweet spices, and woody notes. The maturation in barrels thus imparts to the eau-de-vie a silky texture, roundness on the palate, and remarkable depth, while preserving the freshness and finesse of the fruit.
The Tasting
The Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1972 captivates from the nose with a "rainbow" bouquet of walnut, prune, fern, and vanilla. On the palate, it proves to be generous, balanced, and elegant, offering a perfect harmony between finesse and aromatic power. The finish, long and persistent, unveils delicate spicy and fruity notes, evoking spice butter and dried fruits. This vintage is a perfect example of the house's expertise: a refined, expressive, and memorable tasting experience, to be enjoyed now or kept for further aging.
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 1972 is generous, balanced, and has a silky texture. The nose, called 'rainbow,' blends walnut, prune, fern, and vanilla. The palate is in perfect harmony between finesse and power. Long and persistent finish, featuring spice butter and dried fruits.
Bas Armagnac 1972 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice