Armagnac
Armagnac is a brandy made in the Armagnac region of southwestern France. It is distilled from wine, and must be at least three years old to be sold as Armagnac. The flavor of Armagnac is complex, with fruity, floral, and woody notes. The best Armagnacs are aged for decades, and can be quite expensive. It is made from white grapes, and is distilled using column stills. Armagnac is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years, and can be aged for up to fifty years. The longer it is aged, the more expensive it becomes.
Armagnac has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. It was originally produced by the monks of the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Condat. The Côtes de Gascogne region is home to several Armagnac distilleries, including the Château Monbazillac, Domaine de Durban, Emile Balland and Dubern.