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The Culture of the Vine yards |
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Written by Ph.Lespinet
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Vine culture in this region preferred dates back to Roman times. Witness the superb mosaics discovered at the Villa Gallo-Roman Séviac: the most beautiful, with their scrolls while clusters, leaves and vines, sing the harvest.
From this Gallo-Roman era many of these varieties will be grown in Armagnac. Many of these varieties have disappeared altogether. Some have stood the test of time, but are now cultivated in a confidential manner, as Clairette de Gascogne, Jurançon white, the white Mauzac, Plant Graisse, the Mauzac rose, Meslier St. Francis. But today, 4 varieties are needed for a good Armagnac.
All for one! Without question, each grape variety produces an Armagnac with distinctive flavour and body differences, which adds to the mystic of Armagnac. Some producers market Armagnac made exclusively from one variety, while others will blend varieties to diversify their flavour profile. This approach sets Armagnac distinctly apart from Cognac where Ugni Blanc is almost the exclusive variety used.  | Ugni-blanc Variety- Armagnac produced from Ugni Blanc has a unique falvor, and this adds diversity to what an individual may prefer relative to Armagnac type.  Grappe de raisin Ugni Blanc | |  Feuille de vigne cépage Ugni Blanc | La folle blanche - It results in an Armagnac with the fine body with light but intense floral notes. Overall, it is very subtle but also very complex. These flavour/body properties are very distinctive compared to other varieties for Armagnac that is 15-20 years of age. However, some loss in floral character can occur with longer storage. Armagnac made from this variety is commonly characterized as being a very delicate and feminine product that is greatly appreciated among Armagnac lovers.  Grappe de raisin Folle Blanche
| |  Feuille de vigne cépage Folle Blanche | Le Baco - It has a tough skin that protects it from extensive damage during local hailstorms. It produces a medium bodied Armagnac that has characteristic aromas of green apples and lemons. Young Armagnac made from Baco 22A does not have a very intense aroma, but as it gets older, it characteristically develops dried fruit (plum, apricot) and quince notes.  Grappe de raisin Baco
| |  Feuille de vigne cépage Baco | The Colombard Variety- Young distillate from Colombard can be characterized as having a herbal/freshly mowed hay aroma property, which clearly sets it apart from the other varieties used for Armagnac production.  Grappe de raisin Colombard
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