Natural colour
The entirely natural colour of the estate’s Bas-Armagnacs comes solely from their ageing in barrels, alchemy between the delicately toasted oak and the eau-de-vie.
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The entirely natural colour of the estate’s Bas-Armagnacs comes solely from their ageing in barrels, alchemy between the delicately toasted oak and the eau-de-vie.
When making an oak barrel, one of the essential steps requires bending the wooden staves. To soften these staves, the wood must be heated. However, the intensity and duration of this heating will affect how this barrel interacts with whatever liquid it holds. Barrels come in light, medium or heavy “toasting.” The stronger the toast, the more the barrel will transmit toasted and oaky notes to the eau-de-vie.
Domaine Tariquet only uses lightly toasted barrels, which favour a more subtle influence on the distillate, enhancing its freshness and fruit.
However, lightly toasted barrels transmit much less colour than heavily toasted ones, as the colour comes from the oxidation of tannins naturally present in the wood. With heavily toasted barrels, this oxidation phenomenon is greatly amplified and results in a much darker colour.
Additionally, the estate abstains from any colour correction, excluding the addition of caramel which, in addition to being a sweetener, aims to darken the colour and accentuate caramelised flavours.
The Grassa family tradition respects this natural colour, alchemy between delicately heated oak and the eau-de-vie.
This is done to always preserve the freshness, the finesse and elegance of the estate’s Bas-Armagnacs.
Within the vast universe of spirits, Armagnac is a singular and unique gustatory experience. By tasting a Bas-Armagnac from Domaine Tariquet, one can feel, at least in spirit, the landscapes, terroir and centuries-old cellars and its family know-how.
Different grape varieties, different ages.
Domaine Tariquet stands out thanks to its diversity of Bas-Armagnacs.
One will discover different grape varieties, some of which rare and forgotten, but each with their own personality.
They express themselves differently depending on whether they are bottled alone as a single varietal, or if they are a component of a blend.
Each grape variety evolves in its own (unique) way as it ages in its barrel. At each stage, as it slowly matures, it will reveal different nuances. A young Bas-Armagnac will show more freshness and floral notes while an older one will tend to show more complex notes of candied fruits and spices.
The alcohol level of several of our Bas-Armagnacs is lowered to 40% or 42% (or up to 45%) to reveal their elegance and finesse. Other Bas-Armagnacs are offered at cask strength, which best expresses their power and typicity.
Our Bas-Armagnacs are lightly tinted, a true expression of their natural colour. They are generally light, bright, golden, tinted with orange, and sometimes reveal amber reflections reminiscent of red gold and mahogany.
All the Bas-Armagnacs produced at our estate are “ dry ” and not sweetened: their natural softness comes from the combination of the distilled wine and its following ageing in barrels, not from added sugar. On both the nose and the palate, the quality of the eau-de-vie and of its original wine takes on its full importance. The experience of tasting is warm and smooth, devoid of any harshness or aggressivity.
The beauty in Armagnac lies in its delicate aromatics, especially the fruit component. We are very careful to ensure that no excessive barrel-driven flavours like wood or vanilla overpower the spirit. Great Armagnacs can have a broad, subtle and harmonious aromatic palette: citrus zests, floral notes, stone fruits, candied fruits, dried fruits, hints of spice, and rancio all of which intermingle in a harmonious composition.
Every Bas-Armagnac produced at Domaine Tariquet reveals a well-balanced, elegant and refined picture.
Their precision, their power, and their intensity make different Armagnacs suitable for different moments of conviviality.
They can be served “on the rocks” as an aperitif. They can be made into cocktails, or served alongside Slavic, Indian or Asian cuisines. The Bas-Armagnacs of the estate also pair magnificently with a Tarte Tatin, crème brûlée. They make lovely companions for a break, after a meal, with a piece of bitter dark chocolate or, for those who partake, a nice cigar.
When wanting to share a moment of fulfilment, in good company, take the time to pour a Bas-Armagnac, simply served straight up, at room temperature.
Our philosophy is based on solid, long-term foundations.
Monday to Saturday
10am to 12pm / 2pm to 6pm
Closed Sunday and public holidays
Domaine Tariquet
32800 Eauze – France
EXCESSIVE USE OF ALCOHOL IS HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.