Domaine Boingneres Reserve Speciale Bas Armagnac 750ml

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Producer Description

Domaine Boingneres is, by and large, considered the benchmark of brandy from the Bas-Armagnac. The estate was acquired in 1807 by Jean- Baptiste Boingneres, ancestor of current proprietor, Martine Lafitte. Located in the small commune of Le Freche, the area has perhaps the best growing soil of the region. The Boingneres estate vineyards cover 21 hectares, 13 of which are planted in Folle Blanche, 4.5 in Colombard, and 4 in Ugni Blanc. Martines focus on brandy distilled from Folle Blanche reflects her commitment to the noble varieties, though a Boingneres bottling of Baco can sometimes be foundan echo of distillation from her fathers time.

Much of the oak at Boingneres comes from the Gascon forests. Martine contracts trees every year, and the staves are air-dried next to one of the Boingneres chais. The staves are then fabricated into 420-liter barrels by the local tonnelier, Gilles Bartholomo. Gilless grandfather actually made the barrels for Martines grandfather more than 60 years ago! The barrels are stored in one of two chais, both of which are relatively dry. Consequently, the alcohol level descends very slowly, and even after 20 years, some barrels have only lost 3 degrees of alcohol!

Armagnac is traditionally bottled without being reduced in alcohol, and as Martine Lafitte is a strict traditionalist, the Armagnacs at Boingneres are released at cask strength to ensure their absolute purity.

The Reserve Speciale is distilled from approximately one-third each of Ugni Blanc, Colombard, and Folle Blanche (exact proportions will vary lot to lot) and aged in used, 420-liter French oak casks for a minimum of 5 years (again, age range will vary lot to lot). Aromas of melted marshmallow and orange zest are joined on the palate by fire and tannin. A savory finish of Castelvetrano olives and umami concludes this fascinating flavor arc. 48% ABV.