Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 2002
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 2002 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
This Bas Armagnac 2002 is distilled at low proof from dry white wines made from the Ugni Blanc, Baco, Folle Blanche, and Colombard grape varieties. Aged slowly in Gascon oak barrels, it benefits from subtle oxygenation that polishes the tannins and rounds out the texture. The prolonged contact with the wood imparts nuances of vanilla, spices, and dried fruits, while preserving the natural vivacity of the distillate. This long and controlled aging allows for a harmonious, balanced eau-de-vie with beautiful aromatic depth.
The Tasting
Visually, the 2002 presents a vibrant amber color with coppery reflections. The nose opens with generous aromas of prune, walnut, and fern, supported by a vanilla touch. On the palate, the attack is supple, then the palate unfolds with spicy and woody notes, offering a beautiful warmth and a persistent, sweet, and slightly smoky finish. This is an Armagnac to be savored slowly, ideal for accompanying a quiet moment or concluding a 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:
Superb balance, nothing harsh on the palate (rien n'accroche): it is round, warm, and full of character. There are persistent notes of dried fruits and vanilla — a real pleasure to sip quietly.
Bas Armagnac 2002 Baron Gaston Legrand - Vinodelice