Darroze 40 yo, Les Grands Assemblages, 43%

Introduction

Darroze 40 Years Old from the Les Grands Assemblages series represents the pinnacle of Armagnac craftsmanship, produced by one of the most respected négociants in the Bas-Armagnac region who have dedicated generations to selecting and maturing exceptional brandies.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Carefully selected white grapes (primarily Ugni Blanc, Baco, and Folle Blanche) grown in the sandy soils of Bas-Armagnac, known for producing the most refined spirits in the region
• Distillation process: Traditional continuous distillation in Armagnac alembic stills, which preserves more of the grape’s original character than the double distillation used for Cognac
• Maturation: Minimum 40 years in black oak barrels from the Gascony forests, with decreasing wood influence as the spirit ages
• Special techniques: Darroze is known for its expertise in selecting eaux-de-vie from various estates across Bas-Armagnac, then blending and further aging them to create harmonious and complex assemblages

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Intense aromatic bouquet with dried fruits, prunes, figs, walnuts, and candied orange peel, complemented by antique oak, leather, dark chocolate, and subtle vanilla
• Palate: Remarkably smooth with a luxurious mouthfeel; reveals complex layers of rancio (the coveted nutty character of old brandies), dried apricots, toasted almonds, baking spices, cigar box, and hints of dark toffee
• Finish: Exceptionally long and warming with persistent notes of dried fruits, oak tannins, and spices that continue to evolve minutes after tasting

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped snifter or Cognac glass to concentrate the aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat in small portions (20-30ml) to appreciate its complexity; allow to breathe for 5-10 minutes before tasting
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate desserts, blue cheese, dried fruits, or enjoyed on its own as a contemplative digestif

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 43% ABV
• Bottle size: 700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Bas-Armagnac, Gascony, France
• Certifications/Awards: Multiple gold medals at international spirits competitions; consistently rated among the world’s finest aged brandies by critics

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Darroze 40 Years Old represents four decades of patient maturation and unparalleled artisanal craftsmanship that cannot be rushed or replicated.

With stocks of such well-aged Armagnac becoming increasingly rare, this bottle represents a diminishing treasure from a golden era of production that cannot be replaced once consumed.

The Darroze family is recognized globally as an authority in Armagnac selection and aging, with their expertise spanning generations of dedication to preserving the highest standards of this noble spirit.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Spirits aficionados and critics worldwide have consistently praised Darroze’s 40 Year Old Armagnac as a benchmark for excellence in aged brandies, earning it a place in the collections of the most discerning enthusiasts.

Collectors who have committed to acquiring Darroze’s Les Grands Assemblages series often cite the 40 Year Old as the expression that most perfectly balances maturity with vitality.

Its consistent acclaim at international competitions reflects not only the exceptional quality of the spirit but also the unwavering dedication to traditional methods that have been preserved through changing times.

From Gascony to You

By selecting this extraordinary Armagnac, you gain access to the culmination of four decades of patient craft that the Darroze family has dedicated to creating this exceptional spirit.

The warm hospitality and rustic charm of Gascony is captured in every drop of this Armagnac, inviting you to partake in the region’s rich cultural heritage and time-honored traditions.

Joining the circle of Darroze Armagnac appreciators connects you to a community that values authenticity, patience, and the pursuit of extraordinary sensory experiences – discover what makes this 40-year journey through time so remarkable.