Loujan Bas Armagnac 10 year old 700ml

All of the Armagnac in the Loujan Bas Armagnac 10 year old has been aged in local French oak barrels for more than ten years. Almost 90% of it was distilled from grapes grown at Domaine Loujan in 2000 and 2002 and the remainder was purchased from neighboring domaines and aged even longer in oak. It was produced from approximately 60% Ugni Blanc and 40% Baco grapes and is bottled at cask strength (currently 48.1% alcohol). We have been informed that it is a favorite at the famous Harrod's department store in London.

”Golden color with chestnut highlights. On the nose, warm scents of candied citrus, overripe pear and quince give way on aeration to honey and precious spices. Magnificent. On the palate the attack is soft with silky tannins. The balance between aromas, tannins and alcohol is sensational. One discovers aromas similar to those on the nose such as quince, candied mandarin orange peel and even toasted almond oil. The finish is particularly long.” Marc Darroze - Armagnac Darroze

Armagnac is France’s oldest and finest brandy. Even to this day Armagnac remains a craft industry with small, artisanal producers using historic production methods and little or no advertising or international marketing. All Armagnac is produced in the Gascony region to the southeast of Bordeaux.

Loujan lies within the historical confines of the “Grand Bas Armagnac”. The temperate  oceanic climate delivers mild winters, rainy springs, hot summers and a sunny autumn. The retreating ocean, has left behind an acidic, light and rich alluvial ‘tawny sand’. The Landes Forest is located close to the Bas-Armagnac vineyards, creating a natural barrier, thus, helping dramatically to regulate the temperature and rainfall. These climatic conditions and soil are a perfect match for producing fine brandy.

Loujan is traditionally distilled in a single continuous still known as , an Alambic Armagnacais. This process of heating the wine until it produces steam, capturing the rich, full bodied aromas in a pure and unaltered fashion, then converting the steam to the final ‘Eau de vie”, is exactly what sets Armagnac apart from other fine brandies.

Armagnac is typified by its rich, full bodied characteristics, showing  strong primary fruit. It is dominated by dried fruit flavours, with hints of vanilla, leather, almonds and hickory. Aromatics consist of  undiluted smokey and earthy overtones.

The Vines at Domaine Loujan - Baco, Folle Blanche and Ugni Blanc

Serge Valdennaire, a neighbor who also raises his own grapes, cares for the vines. Working with Serge, Marc and Jean Paul Gabard, an environmental soil consultant, we prepare a detailed plan each year to assure the best possible care for the vines. In 2009 we applied to be certified as an organic producer and after the required three year probation period Domaine Loujan was officially certified "Organic" in 2012 and has been re-certified "Organic" each year since then.