Armagnac Jeanneau: history, overview of types and flavors
Armagnac is one of the three varieties of real French brandy. The other two include calvados and cognac.
Armagnac is the oldest and oldest brandy in France and possibly in the world. There are records in historical chronicles that say that the remains of distilleries dating back to the XIV century were found in this region. In 2010, Armagnac officially celebrated its 700th anniversary, with celebrations taking place around the world.
A brief history of the House of Jeannot
One of the most famous Houses of Armagnac is the House of Janneau (Jeanneau). It was founded in 1851 by Pierre Etienne Jeanneau in Condom in the heart of the ancient Gascony region. And during this time, four generations of the Jeanneau family have already changed, passing on the secrets of making Armagnac from father to son.
Today, the House of Janneau is one of the largest production facilities and storage facilities in the Armagnac region, producing exclusively Super Premium Quality Armagnac.
Production and technological processes
In 1972, the House of Jeannot resumed the method of double distillation of the drink, which was banned in 1903. This method involves a more complex and lengthy process, for which a special armagnac alambic (distillation cube) is used. As a result of this distillation, only the "heart" of the distillate is sent for aging, and the heads and tails are left aside.
The resulting alcohol goes to aging. It is placed in large 450-liter barrels made of French oak.
It takes at least 2-3 years before the drink acquires its rich amber color. The entire aging process takes place in old cellars that were built more than 165 years ago, in 1851.
After the drink has reached the right age, it is blended with other spirits, which are chosen depending on the grape variety, distillation method and age. And only after this stage can this drink be called Grand Armagnac.
After the mixing process is fully completed, the Armagnac is left to be stored for six months in large tanks with a volume of at least 18,000 liters. And then the French drink begins to be bottled.
Original Blends collection
Janneau VSOP
The drink has a deep amber color, a wonderful aroma with notes of vanilla and ripe cherries, as well as a soft, rich warming taste. Janneau VSOP is perfect as a digestif or the main component in cocktails.
Janneau Napoleon
Armagnac with a bright golden color, endowed with a balanced, mild taste with a long aftertaste of ripe plum. The bouquet has a delicate aroma of vanilla and liquorice. This drink is best served neat or with a cup of aromatic coffee and a cigar.
Janneau XO
The drink has a bright golden color, soft and at the same time rich taste of mature Armagnac with a pleasant warming aftertaste. The aroma contains penetrating hints of fruit, plums, oak and violet flowers. It is recommended to drink it neat, and it will also be a perfect match for a cup of coffee or an expensive cigar.
Janneau XO EXTRA 18
The aged drink has a deep amber color, with a fragrant bouquet that combines notes of dried plums, figs and light hints of orange peel. The flavor is dominated by notes of Gascon oak, rancio, raisins and spicy nuances. Soft and long aftertaste.
Janneau Single Distillery collection
Janneau 5 years old
Amber-colored Armagnac with a light fruity taste and wonderful aroma, it has notes of apricot and oak.
This drink is recommended to be drunk neat with a few ice cubes as a digestif or in cocktails.
Janneau 8 years old
Golden amber armagnac has a mild but at the same time pronounced aroma of vanilla, plum and a pleasant delicate taste with woody hints.
Janneau 12 years old
A soft, well-balanced Armagnac with a fruity flavor.
It is dominated by plum aroma with subtle notes of dried fruit and a complex combination of woody hue and rancio.
Sommeliers recommend drinking the drink neat or as part of complex premium cocktails.
Janneau 18 years old
The Armagnac has a deep copper color and a complex aroma that reveals itself gradually.
It contains notes of anise biscuits, caramel, dried apples, honey, roasted nuts and spices.
The taste is velvety, it is endowed with an explosive combination of dried flowers and fruits.
Violet flavor is captured in the aftertaste.
Janneau 25 years old
The incredible drink of a shiny copper color has a complex, soft, velvety and spicy taste, but absolutely non-aggressive.
It has light hints of dried fruits, ginger and spices.
Experts recommend drinking the drink from large glasses, inhaling its wonderful aroma and enjoying the taste while closing your eyes.
Rarities Collection
Vendanges Bottling
Classique 90s Bottling
Classique 80s Bottling
Special Bottling
Vintage collection
Wood Dragon 1964
The drink is endowed with an amber hue, a powerful balanced woody taste and aroma of cocoa.
Fire Dragon 1976
Armagnac with copper hues has a delicate aroma of vanilla and a light taste of prunes and spicy herbs.
Earth Dragon 1988
Topaz-colored Armagnac with a slight green tint.
Very aromatic spicy smell and rich full-bodied taste, with subtle notes of vanilla and spicy aftertaste.
50 Years Old Golden Age, Vintage 1964
The drink has an attractive aroma of ripe fruit.
In the aftertaste, notes of prunes, fried bread and nuts are captured.
Armagnac has a deep amber color.
Update: 08.02.2018
Category: Brandy and Cognac