Vieil Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1952
DESCRIPTION
The Story
Founded over a century ago in Lannepax, in the heart of Bas-Armagnac, Maison Baron Gaston Legrand embodies the noblest soul of Gascony. This 1952 vintage, hand-distilled and aged for nearly a century in oak barrels, bears witness to an unaltered expertise. Since 1998, the Lhéraud family has perpetuated this rare heritage, safeguarding a collection of historic vintages that make every bottle a true piece of history.
The Vinification
Made from the Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, and Baco Blanc grape varieties, this Vieil Armagnac is distilled at a low proof according to the traditional method, guaranteeing finesse and complexity. The prolonged aging in Gascon oak barrels allowed for slow micro-oxygenation, which softened the alcohol and concentrated the aromas. Interactions with the wood developed subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and spices, imparting a remarkable balance and harmonious structure to the eau-de-vie.
The Tasting
The Vieil Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1952 opens with an intense nose of spices, pepper, and Dutch tobacco, punctuated by a delicate touch of cinnamon. On the palate, it reveals a round and velvety texture, both powerful and elegant. The finish is long and refined, allowing accents of noble rancio, old wood, and candied fruits to emerge. A vintage that perfectly illustrates the depth and finesse of an exceptional Bas-Armagnac.
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 1952 is powerful and refined. The nose is intense with spices, pepper, and Dutch tobacco, with a touch of cinnamon. The palate is round and velvety. Long and elegant finish, revealing noble rancio and candied fruits.
Vieil Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1952, Rare Vintage - Vinodelice