Chapter 6: Armagnac Flashcards
Location of the Armagnac region
Gers department / Gascony region (Southeast of Bordeaux)
Three sub-regions of Armagnac
- Bas-Armagnac * Ténarèze * Haut-Armagnac
The westernmost sub-region of Armagnac; also the highest quality and largest producer
Bas-Armagnac
The easternmost sub-region of Armagnac (produces more wine than brandy)
Haut-Armagnac
The central sub-region of Armagnac
Ténarèze
Well known topsoil of the Bas-Armagnac area (chalk, sand, & stones)
Boulbènes
The four main grapes of Armagnac
- Ugni Blanc * Baco Blanc * Folle Blanche * Colombard
Leading grape (at nearly 60% of the vineyards) of Armagnac
Ugni Blanc (aka Saint Émilion)
Hybrid grape that accounts for about 30% of plantings in Armagnac
Baco Blanc (Baco 22a)
Parentage of the Baco Blanc grape
Noah X Folle Blanche
The six “phantom grapes” of Armagnac
- Clairette de Gascogne (Blanc Dame) * Meslier-Saint-François * Plant de Graisse * Jurançon Blanc * Mauzac Blanc * Mauzac Rosé
Traditional style of distillation for Armagnac
Done in a small-scale continuous still known as an armagnac still. Distilled to about 60% abv (although 52% to 72% is allowed)
Preferred type of wood for Armagnac aging
Monlezun oak (others are also permitted)
Type of Armagnac aged for only three months (in inert containers)
Blanche d’Armagnac
Minimum wood aging for VS Armagnac
One year
