The first family of Armagnac
Marquis de Montesquiou is the leading international premium Armagnac which traces its origins back to the 11 th century. The Montesquious, Counts of Armagnac were renowned for their exemplary service to France and the most celebrated of them d'Artagnan, was a captain and commanding officer of the First Company of Armagnac Musketeers, the Musketeers of the King of France.
Proudly situated on a ridge overlooking the Douze valley, the Chateau d'Armagnac is the focal point of the Marquis de Montesquiou's domaine. Since the 12 th century, its walls have been a majestic part of the local scenery overlooking its 89 hectares (220 acres) of vineyards in the Bas-Armagnac region. The main grapes grown on the estate are Ugni Blanc known for its acidity and freshness which make it particularly well adapted to distillation and Folle Blanche which produces a marvellously delicate and fragrant brandy. Folle Blanche is increasingly rare nowadays because of its sensitivity and often weak yields but the taste is unequalled.
Harvesting takes place each year in October and the grapes are fermented on the lees in traditional cellars without any oenological additives to produce wine between 8 to 10% proof which is ideal for distillation.
The art of extracting alcohol from the wines while preserving the 'bouquet' is essential to establish the specific character and taste of Armagnac . The process begins as soon as fermentation has stopped in November and has to be completed by midnight on 31st March. At Marquis de Montesquiou distilling takes place as soon as possible in order to preserve the fragrances and aromas.
Chateau d'Armagnac is one of the few domaines to have its own still which produces a clear very fragrant spirit between 55% and 58% proof. To develop its full potential the Armagnac is aged in wood taking its nourishment from the wood tannins and its aromatic components (vanilla, dried fruits, pepper..). From being a transparent liquid initially, the Armagnac evolves as the years go by into a smoother spirit with shades of deep and intense amber. New wooden barrels are used for the first 6-7 months and the Armagnac is then poured into older barrels (4 to 5 years old) whose tannins are almost all dissolved. During this slower maturation period, the Armagnac gradually loses some of its alcohol due to evaporation so that after 10 years it is estimated that up to a quarter of its volume and 8 to 9 degrees of the alcohol is lost. Thanks to this phenomenon known as 'The angel' share', the aromatic qualities of the Armagnac become more concentrated and it develops its delicious rich flavours.
Over 1,600 barrels of Armagnac are stored at the Marquis de Montesquiou cellars in Eauze which is affectionately know as the 'cathedral'. Finally the Armagnac is blended before bottling by our Cellar Master who selects them for their complementary qualities or, in exceptional years Vintages Armagnacs are bottled with the date of the harvest on the label. These are great bottles appreciated by connoisseurs.
Fine combination of white grapes: 10% Folle Blanche, for its delicate aromas; 80% Ugni Blanc and 10% Colombard. The grapes are harvested 75% from the Bas-Armagnac region which gives aromas of prunes and 25% from Tenareze which provides aromas of violets.
Good texture in the mouth without any aggression. Good balance with dominant vanilla flavour plus a very clear fruity note. Pleasant finish with no hint of bitterness lingering on the palate.
TRY MARQUIS de MONTESQUIOU NAPOLEON
Mostly Ugni Blanc with some Folle Blanche, two-thirds grown on sandy soil in Bas-Armagnac which produces brandies with aromas of prunes and one-third on chalky-clay soil in Tenareze which has aromas more reminiscent of violets.
Supple on the palate with strong flavours of peaches and apricots ending with woody and vanilla hints and a slight animal flavour.
ABV: 40%
Country of Origin: France
Region: Armagnac
TRY MARQUIS de MONTESQUIOU XO IMPERIAL
Extra Old is produced from brandies, two-thirds grown on sandy soil in Bas-Armagnac and one-third on chalky-clay soil in Tenareze.
A fine combination of white grapes: 10% Folle Blanche with very delicate floral aromas, all of which is produced in our vineyards and 80% Ugni Blanc which gives strength and balance and finally 10% Colombard for fruitiness.
Well blended without any bitterness, a superb smooth Armagnac.
ABV: 40%
Country of Origin: France
Region: Armagnac
TRY MARQUIS de MONTESQUIOU 21 YEAR OLD
Fine combination of white grapes: 10% Folle Blanche, for its delicate aromas; 80% Ugni Blanc and 10% Colombard. The grapes are harvested 75% from the Bas-Armagnac region which gives aromas of prunes and 25% from Tenareze which provides aromas of violets.
Good texture in the mouth without any aggression. Good balance with dominant vanilla flavour plus a very clear fruity note. Pleasant finish with no hint of bitterness lingering on the palate.
ABV: 40%
Country of Origin: France
Region: Armagnac