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 1982 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 according to the traditional low-proof method and aged for a long time in Gascon oak barrels, the Bas Armagnac 1982 develops deep and harmonious aromas of candied fruits, prune, vanilla, honey, and sweet spices. The barrel aging promotes controlled micro-oxygenation, softening the tannins and enriching the spirit's aromatic structure. The "sables fauves" (tawny sands) terroir, associated with a temperate oceanic climate, confers finesse and complexity to this exceptional vintage.
The Tasting
The Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1982 presents a refined bouquet of walnut, prune, fern, and vanilla, with subtle notes of spice butter and dried fruits. On the palate, the spirit is round and generous, offering a perfect balance between power and finesse. The long and elegant finish highlights the aromatic depth and complexity of this vintage, faithful to the traditional expertise of Maison Baron Gaston Legrand. To be enjoyed neat or saved for special occasions, this vintage embodies the soul of Bas-Armagnac.
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.