Armagnac

Question 1

Where is Armagnac and name its sub-regions?

Answer 1

Armagnac AOC is located to the southeast of Bordeaux and is divided into three regions of production: Haut-Armagnac, Bas-Armagnac, and Armagnac-Ténarèze.

Question 2

What grapes are used to make Armagnac?

Answer 2

Armagnac is produced primarily from Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Folle Blanche (Picpoul), and Baco Blanc (the only hybrid grape authorized in any French AOC/P appellation). Unlike Cognac, Armagnac is more frequently produced from a blend of varieties than a single grape

Question 3

How many times is Armagnac distilled and what still is used?

Answer 3

Armagnac may be distilled twice in a Charentais pot still, but approximately 95% of brandy from this region undergoes only one distillation in a copper continuous still. The continuous still used in Armagnac is a simpler version, predating Aeneas Coffey’s 1831 model, and produces a more flavorful, less pure, and less alcoholic spirit than double distillation in a pot still.

Question 4

What “VS” represent on an Armagnac bottle?

Answer 4

VS or *** indicates that the spirit rested in barrel for between 1 and 3 years,

Question 5

What does “VSOP” represent on an Armagnac bottle?

Answer 5

VSOP signifies 4 to 9 years of age

Question 6

What does “XO” or “Hors d’Age” represent on an Armagnac bottle?

Answer 6

XO or Hors d’Age denotes spirits that spend at least 10 years in barrel