Cles des Ducs XO Armagnac, 70 cl

Product Information

For fans of armagnac – or specialist spirits in general – here is a treat you’ll have never tried before. The brandy is produced from a blend of 35% Baco, 35% Colombard, 15% Folle Blanche and 15% Ugni Blanc, making for a fresh spirit full of orchard fruit deliciousness. Cognac has long since stolen the spotlight, but armagnac, which dates back at least 700 years and is known for being France’s first brandy, can rightly claim to be one of the most flavoursome drinks of its type. Armin said: “Amplitude is a surprising, unusual dry white wine, with beautiful tension and ample on the palate.

Armagnac : terroir of the oldest eau-de-vie in France Armagnac : terroir of the oldest eau-de-vie in France

A blend of Ugni blanc (60%) and Baco (40%), it is aged from 12 to 15 years, producing a supple and complex eau-de-vie, combining finesse and strength.It’s not as fruit-forward as some of the other liquids on our list, but has some bright and delicate cinnamon, vanilla and a little oak, a little chocolate and some toasted nuts.

Cles Des Ducs XO | Virgin Wines Cles Des Ducs XO | Virgin Wines

Armagnac is the lesser-known cousin of Cognac in the French brandy world, but no less capable of quality. Serve at room temperature after a good meal (it can also be enjoyed alongside a blue cheese, a crème bûlée, apple pie, a chocolate fondant), or at the end of a long day. Often villagers will hold a party known as La Flamme de l’Armagnac to celebrate this special time of the year.

Salted caramel, sugared almonds and dark chocolate on the opening with dried prunes and dates mid-palate.