Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1998
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 1998 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 1998 has aged for a long time in Gascon oak barrels. The natural porosity of the wood allows for delicate micro-oxygeneation that softens the tannins and harmonizes the aromas. The sables fauves, sandy-clay soils rich in iron oxides, bring finesse and structure to the eau-de-vie. The slow and controlled aging develops complex notes of dried fruits, quince, vanilla, and spices, offering a subtle balance between power and delicacy.
The Tasting
This Bas Armagnac 1998 is distinguished by its amber color with coppery reflections and its rich bouquet of dried fig, walnut, and vanilla. The palate is warm and balanced, with crisp tannins and persistent aromas of dried fruits and quince. Its long and refined finish reveals a perfect harmony, ideal as a digestif. It pairs equally well with foie gras, smoked salmon, and flambéed meats, as it does with aged cheeses and fruit-based desserts, or even a coffee to conclude the meal with elegance.
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:
Beautiful roundness, notes of fig and vanilla, long and soft finish — a real pleasure to savor.
Bas Armagnac 1998 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice