Armagnac

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

• oldest wine based eaux de vie produced in Gascony, South West France
• single distillation of white wine in Armagnac alembic (single column still)
• aged in oak barrels

Question 2

Armagnac Name

Answer 2

refers to a sovereign family who for 5 centuries ruled, not the name of a town like Cognac

Question 3

Armagnac Predates

Answer 3

Cognac by about 150 years

Question 4

Grape Growing Areas

Answer 4

1. Bas-Armagnac: 57% of the vineyards
2. Tenareze: region produces the most Armagnac
3. Haut-Armagnac: largest area, least vineyards, now many vineyard owners produce maize

Question 5

Raw Material

Answer 5

White Grapes Only!

1. Ugni Blanc
2. Baco 22A
3. Colombard
4. Folle Blanche

Question 6

Harvest

Answer 6

From mid September to mid October

Question 7

Fermentation

Answer 7

traditionally, without addatives like sulfer and sugars to increase alcohol content

Question 8

Distillation

Answer 8

• Must be completed before March 31 of the following year
• Armagnac still
• single distillation that yields 52-60%ABV

Question 9

Maturation

Answer 9

• aged in 400 liter oak casks called “pieces”
• local wood from forests of Gascony: Montlezun(BlackOak), Limousin
• in new oak casks from 6 months to 2 years then transferred to older barrels

Question 10

Angel’s Share

Answer 10

The 2-3% evaporation of spirit every year

Question 11

Permitted Additives

Answer 11

1. Water- to reduce alcohol
2. Boise- a liquid made by boiling wood chips in water
3. Sugar Syrup- light or dark, if Armagnac is too tannic
4. Caramel- only for color to provide consistency

Question 12

Blending

Answer 12

also known as “coupage”

Question 13

Label

Answer 13

***(3-star) or VS(Very Special): youngest is 2 years
V.S.O.P.: youngest is 5 years
X.O. Napoleon: youngest is 6 years
Hors d’Age: no minimum but usually at least 15 years

Question 14

Styles of Armagnac

Answer 14

Blended
Single Cru
Vintage
Single Cask Vintage Armagnac (Millesime)