Bas Armagnac AOC: Armagnac Castarède

Bas Armagnac AOC: Armagnac Castarède

Posted by Eleanor Field on 25 Feb 2020

There’s something particularly luxurious about this marmalade-hued brandy. Hailing from the sun-flushed rolling countryside of south-west France, Armagnac Castarède offers a mellow and enticingly refreshing brandy that steers clear of the overly sweet notes often associated with this spirit.

Spanning 16 hectares, the picturesque estate’s vineyards are nestled in the Gers, 1 km south of Mauléon d'Armagnac, and the vines grow in acidic clay loam soils with pockets of iron elements that contribute to the unique flavour, as well as providing its particular russet colouring. The eau de vie (“water of life”) is produced from white wine made with white grapes, with good acidity and low alcohol.

The blend marries Folle Blanche, formerly named "piquepoult", the historical grape variety for Armagnac which produces fine and often floral eaux-de-vie with exceptional elegance; Ugni Blanc, the distillation of which produces fine eaux-de-vie of high quality; Colombard, known for its fruity and spicy aromas; and Baco, planted in 2015, which brings smoothness and aromas of ripe fruits.

A family estate with a history spanning more than 180 years, Armagnac Castarède combines art with alchemy to offer a typically French drinking experience not to be missed.