Darroze Vintage 1972 (49 years old), Bas-Armagnac, 42%

Introduction

Darroze’s 1972 Vintage Bas-Armagnac represents the pinnacle of France’s oldest spirit tradition, meticulously crafted by one of the region’s most respected independent bottlers who has specialized in sourcing and aging exceptional single-vintage Armagnacs since 1974.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Harvested from the prestigious Bas-Armagnac terroir known for its sandy soils that produce elegant spirits, using traditional regional grape varieties including Ugni Blanc, Baco, and Folle Blanche
• Distillation process: Single continuous distillation in a traditional Armagnac copper alambic still, preserving more of the grape’s essential oils and flavor compounds than double distillation methods
• Maturation: Aged for 49 years in a single black oak cask from the forests of Gascony, allowing for slow oxidation and extraction of complex flavors
• Special techniques: Bottled at natural cask strength without chill filtration or added coloring, representing Francis Darroze’s philosophy of minimal intervention to preserve authenticity

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich aromatic complexity with dried apricots, prunes, candied orange peel, toasted walnuts, antique leather, and delicate spice notes of cinnamon and clove
• Palate: Velvety texture with layered flavors of preserved dark fruits, rancio (characteristic oxidative notes), dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans, tobacco leaf, and subtle hints of vanilla and toasted oak
• Finish: Exceptionally long and warming with lingering notes of dried fruit, oak tannins, spice box, and a pleasant walnut bitterness that gradually fades into a delicate sweetness

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C/60-64°F)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped snifter or specialized Armagnac glass to concentrate the delicate aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat in small quantities, allowing time between sips to appreciate the evolving flavors and lengthy finish
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with high cocoa content, dried fruit and nut platters, or enjoyed as a digestif after a fine meal

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 42% ABV
• Bottle size: 70cl/700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Bas-Armagnac, Gascony, France
• Certifications/Awards: Part of Darroze’s prestigious Unique Collection, highly rated by spirits critics including 95+ points in multiple international competitions

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This 1972 Darroze Bas-Armagnac represents one of the finest expressions of France’s oldest distilled spirit, capturing nearly five decades of patient maturation in a single bottle.

With an extremely limited number of bottles released from this single cask, this 49-year-old Armagnac represents a rapidly diminishing opportunity to experience a historic vintage that cannot be reproduced.

Darroze is recognized internationally as one of the most respected houses in Armagnac, with their vintage collection setting the standard by which other aged Armagnacs are judged.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Spirits connoisseurs and collectors worldwide eagerly anticipate each Darroze vintage release, with many collectors maintaining unbroken vertical collections of these historical treasures.

By acquiring this 1972 vintage, you join an exclusive community of discerning spirits enthusiasts who recognize the value of time-honored production methods and exceptional aging potential.

The Unique Collection from Darroze consistently receives accolades from spirits competitions and influential critics who praise their unparalleled complexity and representation of terroir.

From Gascony to You

Each bottle of Darroze 1972 represents the culmination of multi-generational expertise, handed down through the Darroze family who have dedicated their lives to preserving Armagnac’s heritage for your enjoyment.

The warm, rustic charm of Gascony’s countryside is reflected in every aspect of this Armagnac, from its amber-mahogany hue to its complex flavor profile that evokes the region’s rich culinary traditions.

By savoring this exceptional Armagnac, you participate in a centuries-old tradition shared by those who appreciate how time, terroir, and craftsmanship combine to create something truly extraordinary—discover why this 1972 vintage deserves pride of place in your collection.