Armagnac Flashcards

1
Q

Which is older, Armagnac or Cognac?

A

Armagnac

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2
Q

Where is Armagnac located?

A

The department of Gers, southeast of Bordeaux in Gascogne.

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3
Q

What are the three subregions of Armagnac?

A

Bas-Armagnac
Tenareze
Haut-Armagnac

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4
Q

What region is considered to have the highest quality of Armagnac?

A

Bas-Armagnac

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5
Q

What is boulbenes?

A

A unique soil found in Bas-Armagnac consisting of sand, chalk, clay and stones

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6
Q

What region in Armagnac produces the largest amount of grapes?

A

Bas-Armagnac

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7
Q

What is Tenareze?

A

The central growing region of Armagnac, with a higher amount of chalk in the soil. Produces spirits that are round and complex.

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8
Q

What is Haut-Armagnac?

A

The most easterly part of Armagnac, creating the lightest spirits. Only grows a small amount of grapes for Armagnac, most used for wine and fortified wine.

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9
Q

What are most of the grapes grown in the Haut-Armagnac area used for?

A

Vin de Pays Cotes de Gascogne (wine)
Floc de Gascogne (vin de liqueur - fortified wine)

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10
Q

What is the most used grape for Armagnac?

A

Ugni Blanc

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11
Q

How many grape varieties are allowed to be used in the production of armagnac?

A

10

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12
Q

What are considered the four most important grapes in the production of armagnac?

A

Ugni Blanc
Baco Blanc
Folle Blanche
Colombard

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13
Q

What percentage of grapes used for the production of Armagnac are Ugni Blanc?

A

Nearly 60%

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14
Q

What is Baco Blanc?

A

A hybrid grape produced from crossing the American Noah grape X Folle Blanche.

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15
Q

What is Baco Blanc also known as

A

Baco 22a

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16
Q

What percentage of grapes used in Armagnac production are Baco blanc?

A

Just over 30%

17
Q

What does Ugni Blanc provide to Armagnac?

A

Floral character and acidity

18
Q

What does Baco Blanc add to Armagnac?

A

Fruitiness, earthiness, and weight.

19
Q

What does Folle Blanche provide to Armagnac?

A

Added subtlety and floral aromas.

20
Q

What percentage of grapes grown in Armagnac are Folle Blanche?

A

1% of total vine area.

21
Q

What does Colombard add to Armagnac?

A

A spicy, peppery edge, as well as fruitiness and aroma.

22
Q

What are the six lesser used grapes permitted for use in Armagnac?

A

Clairette de Gascogne (Blance Dame)
Meslier Saint-Francois
Plant de Graisse
Jurancon Blanc
Mauzac Blanc
Mauzac Rose

23
Q

What is an Armagnac still?

A

An early, small-scale version of a continuous still.

24
Q

What is the normal ABV for Armagnac when it is taken off the still

A

52-72%, most aim for close to 60%.

25
Q

What type of wood is used for aging Armagnac?

A

Black oak from the Monlezun Forest. Also some Limousin.

26
Q

What does Monlezun black oak bring to Armagnac?

A

High tannin content, attributing to Armagnac’s flavor and color.

27
Q

How is Monlezun black oak used for Armagnac distillation?

A

Many producers use Monlezun black oak for an initial period of time and then transfer to other barrels so not too many tannins. Older oak is used for lengthier maturation.

28
Q

What is the aging requirement for Three-star (V.S.) Armagnac?

A

One year in wood.

29
Q

What Armagnac may be bottled as a vintage spirit?

A

Armagnac with a minimum of 10 years aging, produced from the harvest of a single year, dated for the harvest year.

30
Q

What is Blanche Armagnac

A

Legally classified as a wine spirit rather than brandy, not required to be oak aged but is matured for a minimum of three months in inert containers.

31
Q

When was the Blanche Armagnac AOC approved?

A

2005

32
Q

What are some leading brands of Armagnac?

A

Delord
Castarede
Marie Duffau
Chateau de Laubade
Chabot
Duc de Loussac
Jollite
Domaine d’Esperance

33
Q

What is the aging requirement for VSOP Armagnac?

A

Minimum 4 years in oak.

34
Q

What is the minimum aging time for XO Armagnac?

A

10 years in oak

35
Q

What is the minimum aging time for Hors d’Age Armagnac?

A

Minimum 10 years in oak, although most in this category aged much longer.

36
Q

What are the aging requirements for XO Premium Armagnac?

A

Minimum 20 years in oak.

37
Q

When is aging considered to begin for both Cognac and Armagnac

A

April 1st of the year following harvest.