Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1979
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 1979 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, this Bas Armagnac has been slowly aged in Gascon oak barrels. The natural porosity of the wood allows for subtle micro-oxygenation, softening the tannins and promoting aromatic evolution. The interactions between the wood and the eau-de-vie develop complex notes of vanilla, honey, caramel, and sweet spices, while the sandy-clay terroir imparts finesse, structure, and balance. This prolonged aging perfectly illustrates the harmony between power and finesse, the signature of Baron Gaston Legrand's vintages.
The Tasting
The Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 1979 offers a round and generous palate, with a nice balance between power and finesse. The nose opens with aromas of walnut, prune, fern, and vanilla, supported by a delicate and refined woodiness. With aeration, notes of candied fruits and noble rancio appear, revealing the depth and complexity of this vintage. Its long and harmonious finish makes it a perfect spirit to be savored neat, as a digestif, or to accompany foie gras, flambéed meats and game, aged cheeses, or red fruit desserts.
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 1979 is round and generous, with a nice balance between power and finesse. The nose opens with walnut, prune, fern, and vanilla. The palate is delicate, revealing notes of candied fruits and noble rancio. Long and harmonious finish.
Bas Armagnac 1979 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice