Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 2010
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 2010 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, following local tradition, this Bas Armagnac 2010 was set to age slowly in Gascon oak barrels. The gradual contact with the wood, facilitated by the "sables fauves" (tawny sands) soils that lend finesse to the distillate, allows for the development of complexity while ensuring beautiful suppleness on the palate. The aging is controlled for a perfect balance.
The Tasting
The Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 2010 is characterized by its elegance and remarkable softness. The nose unveils a refined bouquet of dried fruits, prune, and vanilla, complemented by subtle touches of sweet spices. On the palate, the eau-de-vie is silky and perfectly balanced. The finish, pleasant and persistent, confirms the high quality of this newer Bas-Armagnac. A beautiful gift to mark the year 2010.
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:
I was pleasantly surprised by the softness/smoothness of this vintage. Very silky on the palate, and the vanilla notes are very pleasant. I recommend it.
Bas Armagnac 2010 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice