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 2009 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
Resulting from a continuous low-proof distillation, according to the Armagnac method, this vintage was aged in oak barrels in the house's cellars. The sandy-clay nature of the Bas-Armagnac soils, the famous sables fauves (tawny sands), ensures the finesse of the distillate. The patient aging allowed the tannins to soften and to develop the balance and gourmand richness of this eau-de-vie.
The Tasting
The Bas Armagnac Baron Gaston Legrand 2009 presents itself as a charming vintage. The nose opens with rich aromas of ripe fruits, vanilla, and fresh walnut. On the palate, it deploys a round and supple texture, which evolves towards a rich and gourmand character. The finish, long and harmonious, confirms the finesse and balance of this young Bas-Armagnac. An elegant choice for a tasting or a special gift.
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.