Armagnac

Question 1

Aging - Blanche d’Armangnac

Answer 1

Requires no aging beyond 3 months in inert containers.

Question 2

Armagnac - VS/Three Stars ageing requirement.

Answer 2

Minimum 1 year wood aging.

Cognac is 2 years

Question 3

Armagnac - VSOP

Answer 3

Minimum 4 years of wood aging.

same as Cognac

Question 4

Armagnac - XO

Answer 4

Minimum 10 years aging in wood.

Question 5

Armagnac - XO Premium

Answer 5

Minimum of 20 years aging in wood.

Question 6

Hors d’Age

Answer 6

Highest quality (beyond age) - At least 10 years aging in wood.

Question 7

Vintage Armagnac

Answer 7

Dated year of harvest

Question 8

Name the Armagnac subregions:

Answer 8

Bas Armagnac
Tenareze
Haut Armagnac

Question 9

Most common Armagnac grape:

Answer 9

Ugni Blanc

Question 10

Armagnac still:

Answer 10

Small scale continuous still.

Question 11

Armagnac distillation proof:

Answer 11

52-72%. Most distillers aim for 60%.

Question 12

Typical oak used in Armagnac barrels:

Answer 12

Black oak from the Monlezun Forest. Limousin oak barrels are also allowed.

Black oak has high tannin content - deep flavor and smmoth taste.

Question 13

Armagnac Grapes

Answer 13

Ugni Blanc (AKA St Emilion) - Floral character & acidity
Baco Blanc (AKA Baco 22a) - Hybrid American Noah X Folle Blanche - fruitiness, earthiness and weight
Folle Blanche - subtlety and floral aromatics
Colombard - spicy, peppery edge, fruitiness and aroma.