Review: Domaine du Tariquet Armagnacs – Blanche, Green Label, and XO (2009)
Arguably the oldest spirit-making region in France, Armagnac is Cognac’s bigger, sometimes crueler brother. Armagnac is located just a bit south of the Cognac region in western France, and like Cognac, it is the home — and the only home — of a distilled spirit that bears its name.
Like cognac (the spirit), armagnac brandy is distilled from grape-based eaux-de-vie (using mostly the same grape varietals) and is aged in oak barrels, but there are key differences between the two brandies. First, armagnac is distilled once instead of twice (as cognac is), and it’s done so in a column still (the type often used for vodka production) instead of pot still (as is used for cognac and Scotch whisky). These differences, along with the variation in growing and aging conditions, are why armagnac is usually considered less refined than cognac.
So, with a little background out of the way, we turn to Domaine du Tariquet, which sent along three armagnacs from its portfolio of 15-plus expressions.
Domaine du Tariquet Blanche Armagnac AOC (2009) is instantly unique: It’s a white, unaged armagnac from 100% Folle Blanche grapes. Said to be a difficult grape, this spirit immediately reminded me of unaged bourbon, with a grain-like character on the front of the palate. It gives way to some fruit notes, like a good grappa, and overall it makes for a very unusual way to enjoy fine brandy — you know, before its time. Intended to be served chilled. 92 proof. B / $NA
Domaine du Tariquet Green Label Armagnac 15 Years Old (2009) is also a 100% Folle Blanche armagnac but it’s aged… for 15 years, of course. It takes on a surprisingly light golden hue, but at 103.8 proof it’s not exactly wanting for flavor. The body is very hot to start with, but reveals a light caramel finish with a kind of apple kick. The heavy alcoholic heat makes it tough to get to the spirit’s charms, however. Cognac and armagnac brandies are not supposed to be cut with water, but try it anyway — it really brings out that caramel note, though it of course leaves you with a more gossamer-light brandy. 80 proof. B+ / $65
Domaine du Tariquet XO Armagnac (2009) is composed of 60% Ugni-blanc grapes and 40% Baco grapes, and aged a minimum of 15 years before bottling. At 80 proof this is darker and more approachable than the cask-strength 15 year, and the flavor profile is wholly different. Aromas and notes of exotic spices — cinnamon, cloves, and dark wood notes — are immediately apparent, and the finish is long and hot like a Moroccan bazaar. Lots of that trademark armagnac bite here, but fun to get lost in it. Very charming and quite unique, with a baked bread character that you catch once in a while. 80 proof. A- / $100
Domaine du Tariquet Green Label Armagnac 15 Years Old (2009)
$65
I think the most useful bottle from Tariquet is the 8 year old at cask strength which is the best mixing brandy I have been able to find in the California market. Slightly more pricey than Germain-Robin’s Shareholder’s or a host of Spanish products, but so much better in mixed drinks because the 10% ABV.
I have a bottle of Armagnac Comte de Ferragut 1935 in its original wooden box. It is 82 proof, 750 ml. Can you advise what this might sell for at auction? Some of the Armagnacs sell for as much as $1200 per bottle, and some for $45. I can’t ID this exact bottle. Can you? I would be happy to sell to a collector if the bottle is worth serious money.
Richard Brescoll
248-3688-0698
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