1942 Sigognac Armagnac

1942 Sigognac Armagnac is powerful yet complex to taste.

The Guasch family have owned the Baron de Sigognac since the 12th century. They have lived at the château at Bordeneuve since 1974 and are one of the region's largest courtier and negociant operations. Today the Jean-Claude and his son Thomas look after viticulture, vinification and distillation. The Domaine is almost unique in the region as all its production is distilled into Armagnac instead of wine.

There is one short column still at the Domaine (almost 100 years old), which produces up to 50 to 60 casks of new spirit annually. The wine is distilled on its lees, and drawn off at 55 to 58%, depending on the harvest. Distillation is continuous through day and night and manually controlled to account for temperature and humidity changes. Once distilled the colourless spirit is aged in 420 litre oak barrels.

It is here, in barrel, that the Armagnac leaches vanillins and tannins from the toasted oak which lend the spirit colour and flavour. The depth of colour and complexity of flavour increase all the time the spirit is aged in cask, the colour can range from pale straw to rich amber. As Armagnac ages it becomes darker in colour and softer, smoother and more elegant on the palate whilst aromas and flavours of prunes, violets, fig, honey, butterscotch and rancio develop.

Part of the alcohol evaporates naturally during the long years in cask - this is known as "la part des anges" (the angel's share). These rare vintage Armagnacs are available in strictly limited quantities.

Baron de Sigognac 1942 Vintage Armagnac has a deep amber colour. Nose that is both powerful and fine. Vanilla and crystallised fruits. Round and powerful in the mouth. Woody and spicy with a beautiful finish of prunes.