Armagnac Cugnac Collection, Taste 20 Barrel, AOC Armagnac, Maison Ryst-Dupeyron, #

The Armagnac region in Gascony, in southwest France south of Bordeaux, makes distinctive brandies from grapes including Baco 22A, Colombard, Folle Blanche and Ugni Blanc. While Armagnac and Cognac share some similarities, different grapes varieties and a single distillation in a column still are traditionally used for Armagnac, creating a more earthy character. Cugnac at Condom, is in the heart of the Armagnac Appellation. The family-owned distillery, established in 1905, is run by JacquesFrançois Ryst and his cellar master. Armagnacs are preserved and matured in old oak foudres and barrels. Cuvée 20 is a blend of 20-year-old Armagnacs. It is a deep, bright amber colour and has mellow vanilla and orange peel aromas. On the palate, cooked pear fruit flavours linger with some bitterness on the finish.