Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1980
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 1980 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, this Bas Armagnac has aged for a long time in Gascon oak barrels. The natural micro-oxygenation of the wood softens the tannins and encourages the development of complex aromas of vanilla, honey, candied fruits, and sweet spices. The sandy-clay soils of the terroir, rich in iron oxides, bring finesse, structure, and balance to the eau-de-vie. This prolonged aging illustrates the harmony between power and subtlety, the signature of Baron Gaston Legrand vintages.
The Tasting
The Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1980 offers a round and generous palate, perfectly balanced between power and finesse. The nose reveals aromas of walnut, prune, fern, and vanilla, supported by a delicate and refined woodiness. Upon aeration, notes of candied fruits and noble rancio appear, revealing the depth and complexity of this vintage. The long and harmonious finish illustrates the house's traditional expertise, making this vintage an exceptional spirit to be enjoyed neat or given for a milestone event.
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 1980 is round and generous, perfectly balanced. The nose reveals aromas of walnut, prune, fern, and vanilla, with a refined woodiness. The palate reveals notes of candied fruits and noble rancio. Long and harmonious finish, the signature of an exceptional vintage.
Bas Armagnac 1980 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice