Our Partners E XQUISI T E

ELIXIR

Our Partners W E A R E P A R T I C U L A R LY S E L E C T I V E

Our portfolio strictly consists of reputable family own brands offering naturally superior product without additives nor artificial adulteration.

“LABERDOLIVE” THE VERY NAME CARRIES WITH IT AN AURA

With regards to reputation, the family firm sits upon France’s upper echelon alongside Mouton, RomanéeConti, Petrus, Roederer, Guigal, Yquem; Laberdolive’s Armagnacs are the ones that get the most press, the ones bought by Onassis and Fernandel, and the ones whom locals regard with critical envy.” Charles Neal.

The Bas Armagnac Laberdolive have been

when fully mature, with no addition of coloring

produced by the négociants Laberdolive family

or water. “Laberdolive remains a reference in

since 1893. They operate the Domaine de

the region and a name that is associated with

Jaurrey, located between the Landes and the

Armagnac of grand class.” Id. Importer Notes

Gers in Labastide d A ́ rmagnac. The cultivated grape varieties are Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche and Bacco. The distillation is carried out with a traditional copper still and the eaux-devie are aged in oak pieces made with the wood of the property. Each vintage reflects the specifics of a year and the climatic conditions of a single year of harvest. Clos des Millsimes

The legend goes that Nikita Khrushchev once diverted his elaborate and heavily-guarded entourage to visit the distiller y to acquire a bottle, and French President Jacques Chirac brought along a Laberdolive 1972 to toast on a state visit to China. These bottles are in all the top restaurants in Europe; David Ridgway, chefsommelier at La Tour d'Argent in Paris, said that

Laberdolive is single-vineyard, vintage-dated

Laberdolive is "considered for a long time to be

Armagnac crafted by one Gascon family for over

the benchmark of Armagnac." Today

five generations. The Armagnac is produced from

Laberdolive is managed by Pierre Laberdolive

wine made from their own vineyards (including

— a reticent and patient man, in complete

rare ungrafted, pre-phylloxera folle blanche).

harmony with his lands, his casks, and his

It is distilled by hand with an antique wood-fired

Armagnac. His reputation as a cellarer is known

continuous still and aged in black oak barrels

all over France, and the world and his product

hewn from the estate’s own forests. Laberdolive

are often called «The Gold of Armagnac.»

Armagnac is bottled at cask strength, and only

DOMAINE BOINGNÉRES IS HAILED AS QUEEN OF ARMAGNAC

Founded in 1807 by Jean Boingneres, Domaine Boingneres is one of the oldest Armagnac house still in operation. More than 200 years of legacy, Martine Lafitte, fifth generation sole heiress of bred and born Gascogne, continue to preserve the domaine’s prestige tradition.

Domaine Boingneres grows only Cepage Nobels,

Madame Lafitte only released exceptional vintages.

Colombard, Ugni Blanc but best known for their

Eventhough her chais (cellars) housed quite a

production of Folle Blanche. Their Folle-Blanche

large number of casks, Domaine Boingeres only

Armagnac has been a benchmark for single grape

offer no more than 15 different vintages, 1 blend

Armagnac producers because of its fruitiness and

expression (5 ans) and Blanche Armagnac made

fragrance.

with 100% Folle-Blanche.

The estate situated in the middle of Bas-Armagnac Terroirs and produced between 25-40 casks of Armagnac per year based on estate harvest each year. The Eau de Vie was distilled from their own in-house still, one of the most beautiful shiny copper columns still in Gascony. With starting alcohol strength around low 50%, the clear spirit retained all flower y aroma and intense characteristics. Domaine Boingneres Folle-Blanche white Armagnac fetch highest price in the region.

DOMAINE D’ESPÉRANCE OFFERS A R E L AT I V E LY N E W P R O D U C E R B U T O F F E R A N IMPRESSIVE RANGE OF QUALIT Y BLENDS A N D V I N TA G E S F R O M 1 9 9 2 – 2 0 0 2

Established by direct descendants of noble linage de Montesquiou, Madame Claire de Montesquiou in the 1990. Situated in Bas Armagnac region, Domaine d’Espérance offered bold and intense tasting profile Armagnac with respect to traditional method, know-how and legacy. Widely reputable producer with products selected by Air France Sommelier to be served exclusively in First Class cabin (Vintage 1991) and selected by SMW for their range of Armagnac offer.

Claire de Montesquiou does ever ything with style.

features. To allow people to better enjoy the

Her Armagnac is no exception. Although the estate

beauty of the region of Gascony they are so fond

is considered quite new, Domaine d’Espérance

of, Jean-Louis and Claire de Montesquiou have

adhered to traditional method and produced bold

restored a former farm cottage on the domain,

and balanced Armagnac and earned quite a

graded 4 épis-Gîtes de France. Visitors will learn

reputation amongs producers in Bas Armagnac

more about the local wine and armagnac

region. Domaine d’Esperance Armagnac are made

production or simply rest, in a quiet, natural and

from grapes grown within the estate, mostly folle-

privileged environment in a charming cottage. In

blanche and Baco. There’s also vineyard dedicated

2001, Claire de Montesquiou also created a

to wine production (Côte de Gascogne) with local

Cooking School. Visiting French chefs come and

and rare grapes such as Gros Manseng and Tannat.

reveal their secrets and introduce you to the

The Domaine d’Espérance, located 90mn South of

wonders of the traditional French cuisine.

Bordeaux, in Gascony in the middle of Grand BasArmagnac, has been known for its armagnac for a ver y long time. Jean-Louis and Claire de Montesquiou bought in 1990 the domain which had been somewhat neglected; they restored it and started to produce wines, while the armagnac was aging in the old cellars. The house of the domain is an attractive XVIII centur y chartreuse, totally renovated but which still retains its charming old

Situated on a hillside in Bas-Armagnac, on the border between the Gers and Landed regions, Domaine d’Espérance was bought by Jean-Louis and Claire de Montesquiou in 1990. Since then, they have restored the estate, already renowned for its Grand Cru Armagnac, and developed a distinguished range of wines.

Domaine d’Espérance PRODUCT OFFERS

Domaine d’Espérance Bas Armagnac 5 ans

10 ans

20 ans

Domaine d’Espérance Bas Armagnac Vintage 1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2002

C H AT E A U D ’ A R T O N H A U T A R M A G N A C W O N NUMEROUS AWARDS FOR I T E XCELLENCE QUALIT Y MANY YEARS IN A ROW

Their La Reserve had just received Prix d’Excellence by the French Mininstry of Agriculture in 2017. Paris Concours Agricole awarded gold medal to Arton 2009 vintage and silver medal to it’s wines. 2019 Haute Armagnac La Reserve a Blend of 4-10 years old Armagnac awarded best French product. They also produce award wining Côte de Gascogne wines and premium quality fruit brandies and liqueur made from fruits harvested from their own estate orchard.

Château d’Arton owners, Patrick & Victoire de

“Fine Blanche” and copyright the name. Blanche

Montal bought the property in Haut Armagnac in

Armagnac received it’s own AOC in 2005.

early 1970s. The estate, a château on higher ground with breathtaking view, has its own cave cellar (chai) was ver y enrich with sustenance, soon they turn the neglected estate and over-grown hillside into vineyards and orchards.

Haut Armagnac producers are quite rare. After Phyroxella wipped out most of France’s vineyard, the producer turned their property to other harvest other crops. De Montal Couple not only bravly embrace the tradition, they re-introduce haut

Arton pride themselves in Sustainability in single

Armagnac to the new fame level. With annual

estate method. Only grapes grown in their estate

production of less than 20 casks, the estate won

go into making their wines and those wines go into

so many award yearly. Among that the most

making their Armagnac. Only natural process we

prestigious, 2017 Prix d’Excellence by the French

adopted, no sulfur added and natural yeast was

Ministr y of Argriculture. Over 22,000 products

used for fermentation. The exceptional cask that

were submitted- Arton had been selected as the

matured were picked and marketed as vintages

best Brandy, not just Armagnac, in all of France.

which goes really fast. It’s the testament of Château d’Arton’s Armagnac quality.

Domaine d’Arton is the name they use to market their wines. Arton’s Cote de Gascogne wines are

They are also the first to push Blanche Armagnac

fruity and refreshing, easy to drink wine for ever y

to be marketed. Realizing the prospect of aromatic

occasion.

and flavor full, eau de vie, Arton bottled their first

Château d’Arton PRODUCT OFFERS

Château d’Arton Les Reserves Créme de Pêche

Château d’Arton Poire Ancienne Passe Crassane (Pear Brandy)

Château d’Arton Villeille Prune du Périgord (Prune Brandy)

700ML. (LIQUEUR)

700ML.

700ML.

Château d’Arton La Reserve Haut Armagnac 700ML. IN WOODEN CASE.

Château d’Arton Fine Blanche 700ML. BOT TLE

BORDENEUVE, FLAGSHIP BRAND WITH S E L E C T I O N S O F R A R E V I N TA G E S W I T H C A S K STRENGTH AND PREMIUM BLANCHE ARMAGNAC AND PREMIUM ARMAGNAC BASE LIQUEURS

Château de Bordeneuve was founded by Jean Claude Guasch, a well-known Armagnac cask collector and broker of a long line history in Gascony. With his excellent taste, he accumulated exceptional casks from various producers, many of which are no longer produce spirits. His estate is now run by Thomas Guasch, the only heir. Located in Castlenau d’Ausan, the estate now expanding their own vineyard offering Ugni-blanc, Colombard and Baco dedicated to Armagnac production.

Château de Bordeneuve and its Collection Privée The Bas-Armagnacs Château de Bordeneuve and its 'Collection Privée' constitute a unique array of Armagnacs. Coming from only single estates, these Armagnacs benefit from complete traceability and are of exceptional gustator y quality. Furthermore, these vintages are bottled at their natural alcoholic strength after undergoing a light filtration: welcome to the world of Cask Strength (Brut de fût) BasArmagnac. Baron de Sigognac

Les Saveurs Inédites’ (Unique Flavours) Our 'Saveurs Inédites' comprise the following pearls: • - La Grande Josiane: a delicious, natural Armagnac based orange liqueur. - La Blanche de Bordeneuve: a white Armagnac distilled at the Domain; ideal for both cocktails and culinar y applications. • - La Blanche au Citron: an original aperitif, prepared from La Blanche du Domaine, pure sugar syrup and natural extracts of lime. - Les Pruneaux à l'Armagnac (prunes in Armagnac):

Today, Sigognac Armagnacs are the jewels in the

simply for enjoyable and indulgent moments of

crown of our House. It is true to say that what

pleasure.

could possibly have been done since time immemorial relative to an integrated approach to vines, natural • vinification, distillation, optimal selection of barrels, aging in wood and quality control of Armagnacs prior to bottling, is also rigorously applied at Sigognac in order to assure genuinely PREMIUM production.

Borduneuve PRODUCT OFFERS

Chateau de Bordeneuve VSOP Blend of 4-7 y/o

Grand Josaine Natural Orange Liqueur

700ML.

700ML.

Au Citron Green Lime Flavored

Chateau de Bordeneuve 3 Stars Blend of 1-3 y/o

700ML.

700ML.

Blanche de Bordeneuve

Chateau de Bordeneuve Hôrs d’Âge Blend of At Least 10 y/o Vintages 1980s, 1990s, 2000s to 2010

BARON DE SIGOGNAC IS R E P U TA B L E A S A N E X P O R T B R A N D OF HIGH-QUALIT Y ARMAGNAC

Their products are approachable with Alc. content of 40%. Their line of Blends are quite extensive in terms of selection and age statements.

Baron de Sigognac Bas Armagnac PRODUCT OFFERS ALL IN 700ML. BOT TLE

Blanche de Bordeneuve

Platinum XO in Carafe Bottle Grand Platinum in Carafe Bottle

Blanche au Citron

25 ans in Carafe Bottle with Luxury Box or Wooden Cabinet

60 ans in Wooden Cask

50 ans in Carafe Bottle with Wooden Cabinet

20 ans

10 ans

15 ans

70 ans in Carafe Bottle with Wooden Cabinet

V.S.O.P.

Napoléon

DA R T I G A LO N G U E , O N E O F T H E OLDEST ARMAGNAC HOUSE IN BAS ARMAGNAC TERRIOR

Established in 1838 and had been in Dartigalongue family for five generations with collection of old vintages dated back to 1840s.

Dascal Dartigalongue: since 1817 It was in 1817, under the reign of Louis XVIII that Pascal Dartigalongue was born. Coming from a family of winegrowers based in Saint Lannes near to Madiran, he spent his childhood in the heart o the vineyards surrounded by wine and Eau-de-Vie (as Armagnac was called at the time).

folly Blanche (for the finesse). The eaux-de-vies are from the Bas Armagnac terrier, with its salty and sandy soil that are reputed for giving fine and elegant Armagnacs. Cuvéelouis-Philippe: 170 Years of Exception This unique blend of vintages 1974 and 1976 at 43 vol, was created to celebrate the 170th anniversar y

In 1838, under the reign of Louis Philippe, he

of our house (1838-2008). On the nose, it develops

settled down in Nogaro thanks to the 10.000 gold

subtle aromas of white blossom, dried fruits,

Francs that his father gave him of his share of the

apricot, coffee, spices and smokey notes. This

family business that he had to leave to his elders.

blend is surprising with its roundness, its length

His beginnings were hard, but ver y quickly he

in the mouth, its freshness and indulgence: the

understood that Armagnac was a product for

signature of the house of DARTIGALONGUE.

export. Creation is an Art: Armagnac The Dartigalongue family carefully selects its white eaux-de-vies made from the white wines of three varieties - Ugni Blanc (for the fruit) - Back 22A (specific to AOC Armagnac - for the structure) and

Dartigalongue family began to distill Armagnac in

Seduced by the histor y of the House and by the

1813. In 1838, Pascal Dartigalongue founded the

enthusiasm and optimism of Françoise, Benoit

first Maison d'Armagnac in Nogaro, the heart of the

quickly took over and boosted the development

Bas Armagnac region. In 1870 son Joseph acquired

of the Maison.

a large vineyard in Salles d'Armagnac near Nogaro. Dartigalongue is one of the first Armagnac house to export their products overseas, thanks to modern vision of the early owners.

Madame Françoise Dartigalongues sadly passed away last year. House Dartigalongue are the only producer in our portfolio without their own vineyard, a négociant,

In 1978 great grandson Pierre Dartigalongue

if labeled. They sourced their Eau de Vie from 5

created his Museum in Nogaro which houses

different growers they work closely with. The Eau

all the archives of Maison D'Armagnac, including

de Vie then aged in both wet and dr y cellar which

all correspondence since 1838 and a fascinating

attributed to their unique characteristic.

collection of Vieux Armagnacs in their original bottles, dated 1829, 1848, 1852, 1870, and 1900.

Dartigalongue Armagnac are controlled ABV at 40% including most of Their vintages. However,

In 2010, Françoise Dartigalongue, fifth generation

they also offer some limited release single cask

producer, then the head of the company,

selection at cask strength and these are of

convinced her niece Virginie’s husband, Benoit

exceptional expressions.

Hillion, to leave his job as an agronomist in Paris to settle in Nogaro and take over the business.

Dartigalongue PRODUCT OFFERS

Dartigalongue Un-Oak (Blanche Armagnac)

Dartigalongue Dry-Cellar (1-3 years)

700ML.

700ML.

Deartigalongue Blends in Classic Bottle: VSOP, Hors d’âge, 15 ans, 25 ans, 30 ans 700ML.

Dartigalongue Vintages from 1848 - 2003

Dartigalongue Blends and Special Edition in Carafe Style and Gift Boxes

700ML.

Dartigalongue Limited Single Cask Vintages 700ML. 1998, 1989, 1979, 1963

PELLEHAU T WAS T HE FIRST ARMAGNAC E S TAT E T O M A K E A B I G P U S H O N S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y A N D I S N O W O N E O F T H E H I G H E S T - R AT E D P R O D U C E R S I N FRANCE IN TERMS OF ITS ECOF R I E N D L I N E S S A N D B I O D I V E R S I T Y.

Things move pretty slowly in Armagnac. It’s a world away from the bling and the glamour of its neighbours in nearby Cognac. But scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find plenty of modernity and innovation – and the recipient of this year’s IWSC Brandy Producer of the Year award, Château de Pellehaut, is a fine example.

Pellehaut was the first Armagnac estate to make a

Pellehaut vineyards from Ugni Blanc to Folle

Château de Pellehaut enjoyed huge success in this

big push on sustainability and is now one of the

Blanche, giving the Armagnacs a greater depth of

year’s IWSC, scooping four medals, including three

highest-rated producers in France in terms of its

flavour. Aurélie Ville from Château de Pellehaut

golds. One of these, the 2005 vintage bottle,

eco-friendliness and biodiversity. Visit the estate

explains: ‘Folle Blanche is really rare now. It’s the

scored a staggering 98 points out of 100, earning

and you’ll be greeted by cows feasting on leftover

ancestral grape of the region, and at Pellehaut we

praise from the judges for its ‘seamless and

grapes, which in turn helps to make fertiliser for

use it for 50% of our Armagnac. It makes a

smooth’ character and fantastic balance between

the vineyards. It has also embraced the trend for

delicious young spirit: fruity and sweet. That’s why

sweet and savour y.

serving spirits over ice by releasing Age de Glace

we distill it each year and we include it in our best

(‘Ice Age’), a young, floral spirit packed with aromas

Armagnacs.’ too – Colombard and Baco – and we’ll

of stone fruit and spice, designed to be served on

see the results in the coming years. Pellehaut has a

the rocks.

new range in the pipeline, called The Collection,

But Pellehaut has histor y on its side too – four centuries of histor y, in fact. Vines are believed to have been grown in historic Montréal-du-Gers in south-west France since Roman times, and it’s where the Béraut family have been tending their vines for more than 300 years.

which highlights the softer, more accessible side of Armagnac, and is designed to be a more versatile spirit – ideal neat, on the rocks on in cocktails. There’s also a new range of age-statement Armagnacs being launched: a 10 and 20 Year Old, both made with 100% Folle Blanche, and a 30- and

Ville says that while the soils and terroir of the region play their part, the real reason behind such success is the work of the winemakers and distillers, including the choice of grapes, the long hours spent in the vineyards and the attention to detail in the winer y and distiller y. ‘We are a little appellation with lots of energy,’ she concludes, ‘and we really want to show how beautiful our products are in this big world of spirits!’

40-year-old version using just Ugni Blanc. Château

At least 25% of Armagnac is distilled using wood-

The family built its château in the 18 th centur y, but

De Pellehaut's Reserve- Bel âge Armagnac, L'Age

fired alambics. Château de Pellehaut is one of

Armagnac production didn’t begin until much more

Tendre Armagnac, 1994 Armagnac & Reserve Bel

the 25%.

recently, in the 1970s. The 1990s saw a shift in the

Âge Armagnac.

T H E C H ÂT E A U D E L É B E R O N S TA R T E D 1 3 T H C E N T U R Y, W H E N T HE ’ HUNDRED YE ARS ’ WAR WAS RAGING ACROSS GASCONY

In 1939 great-grand father Osmin bought the Chateau. Caroline and Sophie thus represent the fourth generation of Armagnac producers who have run the Chateau de Léberon since 1939.

The youngest daughter of a family, Caroline began producing a most beautiful fragrance by taking over two properties: the Chateau de Léberon and the Domaine d’Aurensan.

All the casks are made from wood from oak tree grown on their estate. They are still using direct fire column still. The distillation takes place during winter with a limit date of 31st March of the year following the harvest. The bottling of Léberon Armagnacs are done by hand filled and are bottled according to demands. The Rozé hold their product in highest standard, vintages will only be release after 20 years of age. Chateau de Lebron produce single cask and cask strength Armagnac. No sugar, no coloring, no water, and no other food additive added.

T H E C H ÂT E A U D E L A C Q U Y A R C H I V E S AT T E S T T H AT T H E E S TAT E W A S A M A J O R P R O D U C E R OF ARMAGNAC IN THE 18TH CENTURY

Château de Lacquy is probably the oldest producer still in operation today. Archives show that the Armagnac was produced exclusively from the Piquepoult (Folle Blanche) wines made at the estate, distilled on site with the traditional still, and transported – up until the early 1900’s – by a team of oxen to the city of Mont-deMarsan. From Mont-de-Marsan the Armagnac travelled by boat to Bayonne, from where it was shipped abroad.

In the early 1700’s, the expanding aristocracy and

fruit, candied fruit, spice, tobacco, cocoa, vanilla,

the grow th of a wealthy bourgeoisie in the United

walnut, cream, toasted brioche and other notes.

Kingdom and in Scandinavia created a strong

Each year, each blend differs from previous years

demand for eaux-de-vie. The development of

and gives unique complexity. You discover, explore

seafaring trade, both merchant ships and the Navy

and learn ... responsibly ...

also helped fuel the grow th in demand for Armagnac and Cognac. Makers of Armagnac and

Armagnac from Château de Lacquy means:

Cognac were compelled to organise.

• Outstanding terroir that gives rise to the finest

This is the historical context in which the purchase of Château de Lacquy took place in 1711, towards the end of the reign of King Louis XIV, for the purpose of making Armagnac. Since 1711, the Château de Lacquy has remained in the hands of the same family. Today, the current owner, Gilles de Boisséson, is the tenth generation at the helm of Château Lacquy.

eaux-de-vie; • 22 hectares of grapevines; • Three grape varietals: Baco, Folle-blanche and Colombard; • Grape harvest, wine-making, distillation and aging varietal by varietal; • Distillation uses a traditional Armagnac still over wood heat; • Aging in traditional 420-litre oak barrels;

Armagnacs from Château de Lacquy are highly

• Use of 40 to 50% new wood with each new

feminine, devoid of aggressivity and beautifully

harvest;

balanced. They develop infinite aromas of fresh

• No addition of any outside products (woodsy, sugars, colouring etc.);

ARMAGNAC

Armagnac distilled only ONCE, with low heat for lowest possible ABV.

Armagnac production per year was said

FACT S

Armagnac casks are made from French black Oak are called “Piece”. It’s can hold about 400 litres and will be used in circulation until they are broke. Therefore, Armagnac producers are not interested to sell Armagnac cask to be use for finishing.

to be equal to Cognac’s angel share. (ABOUT 2% OF COGNAC PRODUCTION)

Although it’s brandy ( A L L A L C O H O L D I S T I L L AT E D F R O M F R U I T S A R E B R A N D Y )

Gascogne and people who live in this region have

We should never refer to it as brandy, same as why we won’t refer to Champagne as sparkling wine.

the longest life-span than any part of France.

A priest who later became Cardinal du Four wrote 40 virtues of the Eau de Vie in the early 14th century, the document is kept in the library of the Vatican. There’s an Armagnac brand, Cardinal du Four.

Rancio is a desirable taste profile that would manifest in Armagnac older than 30 years old up. It refer to old elements such as leather, sultanas, stew prunes, and other kind of funky, but good funky taste. In no circumstance any bad or yucky tastes will be referred to as Rancio, that’s just bad booze or somebody might drained that bottle behind your back and put tea in it.