Rolling hills, vines and quiet roads in Gers, deep in Gascony. This is where Baron de Sigognac makes its Armagnac, in the village of Castelnau d'Auzan, in the part of the region known as Bas Armagnac.
Expert description
Baron de Sigognac VSOP Bas Armagnac is a Bas Armagnac Brandy aged in oak casks and bottled at 40%.
Armagnac is the oldest brandy in France, older than Cognac. Bas Armagnac covers the western, sandier part of the region, and its brandies tend to come out softer and fruitier than the sharper styles found further east. Sigognac works in Gers, and this bottle is the VSOP: the younger, easier-going expression in the range.
The label reads Appellation Bas Armagnac Contrôlée. The brandy is aged in oak casks and bottled in the estate's chais under the watch of the maître de chai. The oak adds vanilla and a little spice and rounds off the edges, so it drinks easily without being dull.
At 50 cl, the bottle is smaller than usual. A good way into Armagnac if you just want to see what the fuss is about.
Tasting notes
Nose
Dried apricot and raisins first, then vanilla and a touch of toasted oak. Something warm and bready sits underneath, a bit like brioche.
Palate
Soft and round. Ripe fruit, honey and gentle spice from the cask. It is not heavy, but there is enough grip to keep you interested.
Finish
Medium length, with vanilla, dried fruit and a faint hint of pepper.
Specifications
Name: Baron de Sigognac VSOP Bas Armagnac 50 cl
Distillery: Baron de Sigognac
Region/Country: Bas Armagnac, France
Type: Bas Armagnac Brandy
Age: VSOP
ABV: 40%
Size: 50 CL
Cask type: Oak casks
EAN no.: 3586881131127
Serving suggestion: At room temperature in a tulip glass, preferably after a meal
Flavour profile
Soft · Fruity · Vanilla · Oak · Spicy
Did you know?
Armagnac is normally distilled only once, in a continuous column still, while Cognac is distilled twice. It is one of the reasons Armagnac often tastes more rustic and more of grapes.
