Delord distillery

Introduction to Delord

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Delord is a prestigious Armagnac producer located in the heart of Gascony, France, where tradition meets excellence. Since its establishment, this family-owned house has dedicated itself to creating exceptional Armagnacs that showcase the unique terroir of the region. With meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality, Delord has established itself as one of the most respected names in the Armagnac business.

The distillery’s rural setting in the picturesque Bas-Armagnac region provides the perfect environment for crafting spirits with distinct character and depth. Each bottle tells the story of the land, the people, and generations of expertise.

Why we have a soft spot for Delord

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that honor tradition while creating extraordinary products. Delord stands out for its commitment to traditional distillation methods and long aging processes that result in Armagnacs of remarkable complexity and finesse.

What truly makes Delord special is their complete mastery of the entire production chain – from vineyard to bottle – ensuring quality control at every step. Their vintage offerings provide an exceptional opportunity to taste liquid history, with some releases dating back several decades.

The History Behind Delord

Origin and Development

Delord was founded in 1893 by Prosper Delord, a traveling distiller who carried his copper alembic still from farm to farm during the winter months. After years of perfecting his craft, he established his own distillery, marking the beginning of a family legacy that would span generations.

The business was later expanded by Prosper’s sons Gaston and Georges, who began aging and selling the Armagnacs directly rather than selling them to negociants. This decision to control the entire production process from grape to bottle would define the Delord approach for generations to come.

Today, the fourth generation of the family – Jacques and Sylvain Delord – continue to uphold the traditions established by their great-grandfather while thoughtfully incorporating modern techniques where beneficial.

The People Behind

The Delord family represents the heart and soul of the operation, with each generation passing down not just ownership but a profound understanding of Armagnac production. Jacques oversees the vineyards and distillation, while Sylvain manages the aging cellars and sales – a perfect balance of expertise.

Their combined experience and dedication ensure that every decision, from harvest timing to barrel selection, is made with the utmost consideration for quality. The family’s passion is evident in every bottle released under the Delord name.

The Craft and Production

From Raw Material to Finished Product

Delord’s Armagnac begins with carefully selected grape varieties – primarily Ugni Blanc, Baco, Colombard, and Folle Blanche – grown in the distinguished Bas-Armagnac region, known for producing some of the most aromatic and complex spirits.

After harvesting, the grapes are pressed and fermented into a white wine with an alcohol content of around 9-10%. This wine is then distilled once through Delord’s traditional continuous copper Armagnac alembic stills – a method that preserves more of the fruit character than double distillation.

The distillation process is conducted during the winter months, as tradition dictates, resulting in an eau-de-vie with approximately 52-60% alcohol by volume.

Maturation and Aging

The clear eau-de-vie is transferred to 400-liter oak barrels where the magic of maturation begins. Delord uses black oak from Gascony and the Limousin region, which imparts distinctive flavors to the spirit.

The aging process at Delord is particularly noteworthy for its patience and precision. The Armagnac rests in the family’s historic cellars, where the climate is ideal for slow, steady maturation. Some spirits age for decades, developing extraordinary complexity and depth over time.

The cellar master regularly monitors each barrel, occasionally transferring older Armagnacs to glass demijohns once they’ve reached optimal maturity to prevent over-aging and preserve their perfect balance.

Selected Products from Delord

Delord Bas-Armagnac XO – The House Style

This exceptional blend offers an ideal introduction to Delord’s distinctive character. Aged for a minimum of 10 years, it presents a beautiful amber color and complex aromas of dried fruits, vanilla, and oak. The palate reveals notes of toffee, toasted nuts, and subtle spices with a long, warming finish.

The XO expression perfectly balances youth and maturity, making it accessible to newcomers while offering enough complexity to satisfy connoisseurs.

Delord Vintage Armagnacs – A Connoisseur’s Journey

Delord’s vintage releases represent single-year harvests, bottled after decades of maturation. These exceptional spirits capture a moment in time and showcase the unique characteristics of individual harvests.

Expect rich, concentrated flavors varying from rancio notes (walnut, mushroom, leather) in older vintages to more fruit-forward profiles in younger ones. The mouthfeel is luxuriously silky with remarkable length and complexity – these are truly contemplative spirits for special occasions.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and Tastings

Delord welcomes visitors to their domain in Lannepax, where you can experience firsthand the heritage and craftsmanship behind their exceptional Armagnacs. The guided tours provide insight into the traditional distillation methods and access to the historic aging cellars where centuries of expertise come together.

The tasting experience typically includes several expressions that highlight the range of Delord’s portfolio, from younger, more vibrant spirits to complex, aged treasures. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the evolution of Armagnac through different aging periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Delord?

Delord is a historic Armagnac producer located in the Bas-Armagnac region of France. Operating since 1893, this family-owned house specializes in crafting exceptional Armagnacs using traditional methods passed down through four generations. Their approach emphasizes quality at every stage of production, from grape cultivation to distillation and long-term aging.

Where is Delord located?

Delord is situated in the village of Lannepax in the heart of the Bas-Armagnac region of Gascony, France. This terroir is renowned for producing some of the most aromatic and elegant Armagnacs, with its distinctive sandy soils contributing to the final product’s unique character.

What characterizes Delord?

Delord is known for its traditional continuous distillation method, extensive aging in local oak barrels, and a remarkable library of vintage expressions dating back decades. Their Armagnacs typically exhibit rich, complex profiles with notes of dried fruits, spices, and the characteristic “rancio” that develops with extended aging. The family’s complete control over the production process ensures consistency and exceptional quality.

Where can I buy Armagnac from Delord?

You can find selected bottles from Delord at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate our selection to include both their core expressions and special vintage releases, giving you access to some of the finest Armagnacs from this esteemed producer. Whether you’re looking for an excellent everyday sipping Armagnac or a rare vintage bottle for a special occasion, we’ve got you covered.