Developed at the heart of Gascony in the departments of Gers, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne, around the towns of Condom and Eauze, Armagnac is a wine-based brandy – the oldest in the South-West! – which benefits from an Appellation of Controlled Origin. Its vineyard, with the Ugni Blanc, Baco 22A, Colombard and Folle Blanche varieties, is made up of three production areas, Lower Armagnac, Armagnac-Ténarèze and Upper Armagnac.
Made by distilling dry white wine then ageing it in oak barrles for at least two years, Armagnac is greatly appreciated by connoisseurs and reveals a variety of flavours – fruity, woody, floral and even rancio for an old Armagnac – according to its age and quality.
Dating from 1804, the still at the domain of Ognoas in Arthez-d'Armagnac is the oldest working still in Gascony, and is a listed historic monument.
To find out more about the world of Armagnac and the various production stages, head to the Armagnac Museum and the House of Ryst-Dupeyron, both located in Condom.
A producer of Armagnac for more than three centuries, Ravignan Castle, at Perquie in the Landes, organises a guided tour of its cellars, with a commentary on the history and production of the famous brandy.