1952 Sigognac Armagnac

1952 Sigognac Armagnac a rare and complex Armagnac.

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 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 as well as softer, smoother and more elegant on the palate. Meanwhile, aromas and flavours of prunes, violets, fig, honey, butterscotch and rancio develop.

1952 Vintage Armagnac has a deep amber colour and a good nose that is full of freshness, candied orange aromas and cinnamon. Well structured and rich, giving good balance in the mouth. Flavours of prunes with a finish of roasted coffee. The Armagnac has seductive hints of orange and cinnamon.

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.

Very limited stock remaining - please contact us to check lead time (may be up to 4 weeks).