5.0 / 5 stars (1 Reviews) Armagnac, France- Refined and elegant, with a rich smoky bouquet reminiscent of dried fruit. Armagnac and Rye are more spicy, intense and rustic, whereas Cognac and bourbon are smoother, sweeter and more nuanced. Cognac must be made in the Charente and Charente-Maritime départements to the north of Bordeaux, whereas Armagnac comes from the Gascony region south of the city. Differences and similarities between two of France's most well known brandies! For Cognac lovers, that means a more refined drink. The first major house to ever employ a woman as its cellar master, the company is now in the hands of a 33-year-old -- the youngest cellar master in the history of Cognac. In Cognac 97% of the grape variety used is Ugni-Blanc which produces fine, high-quality eaux-de-vie. Armagnac is a distinctive kind of brandy produced in the Armagnac region in Gascony, southwest France. Features vintages as well as blends: Features more blends, few vintages: Is consumed more locally Is more an export product: VS = 1 year minimum: VS = 2 years minimum Like cognac, armagnac is a French grape brandy. Cognac aims for elegance and smoothness, Armagnac for richness. "If I had to compare the two with sports, I'd say that Armagnac leans more toward a rugby player—frontal power with short and decisive moves—and Cognac like a golfer—finesse, precision, length and time," Bache-Gabrielsen explains. Furthermore, Cognac is distilled in copper pot stills known as alembic Charentais, while Armagnac is made with column/continuous stills (as they do for grain whisky in Scotland). Armagnac could be considered a better value than a similarly aged Cognac. The major difference between Cognac and Armagnac is the distillation. Now producing not only cognac, but Pineau des Charentes and Armagnac as well, Lheraud exports its wares worldwide – and continues to expand into more countries on a yearly basis. About the Book Author According to Hervé Bache-Gabrielsen, president of the Bache-Gabrielsen Cognac house, Armagnacs tend to have strong, rustic, generous and robust flavors, while Cognacs express themselves with more delicacy and refinement, with exceptionally long-lasting floral notes. Cognac is made in Cognac region whereas Armagnac is made in Armagnac region. Armagnac is allowed to use 10 grape varieties in production, but typically only use four: Ugni blanc, Baco, Folle Blanche, and Colombard; whereas in Cognac they use around 99% Ugni … Delord 25 Year Bas Armagnac. It is also used in… (Armagnac is brandy made in the Armagnac region of France.) Grappa. Chateau de Laubade Intemporel N5 Armagnac Brandy & Cognac | 750ml | Curbside Pickup offered in the majority of stores Learn More. Both of these brandies are produced in France. Armagnac also tends to be less frequently blended, giving it an earthier, heartier style than the smoother lighter style of cognac. Distilled twice in pot stills. Grappa is an alcoholic beverage: a fragrant, grape-based pomace brandy of Italian origin that contains 35 to 60 percent alcohol by volume (70 to 120 US proof). Region: Bas-Armagnac. Cognac is produced near the city of the same name, a drive of less than two hours north of Bordeaux, while Armagnac … Chalky soils, highly prized in the Grande Champagne part of Cognac, are less sought-after here, with only a few vineyards scattered throughout the area. Armagnac is blended with older vintages than similarly labeled Cognacs. Here's a primer on the liquors. Armagnac (like cognac) is distilled from white wine grapes, namely the Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc and Colombard varieties. Armagnac comes from Gascony, southwest France, and has been produced since the XIV century. Victor Hugo called cognac the "liquor of the gods. Further south than Cognac, Armagnac is another area in the west of France that produces a quality wine brandy. Grapes next, and here the contrast with Cognac is even more evident. Cognac is distilled twice in copper stills, while Armagnac is distilled once in a column still, similar to bourbon. Courvoisier Limited Edition Cognac; $40, 95 points. Alquitaras pot stills. Those who prefer Armagnac discern a certain fiery quality, reflecting perhaps a touch of the Gascon terroir. In addition, Cognac is typically aged in Limousin/Troncais oak barrels, while Armagnac rarely sees anything other than Gascon oak. Armagnac and Cognac are both grape brandies, but are produced in different regions of France. Armagnac: Cognac: Four primary grape varieties: One primary grape variety (ugni blanc) Usually distilled once in a continuous still. Age: Hors d’Âge … Being situated inland, this fine brandy has never achieved the heights of its coastal competitor Cognac … A main difference between Cognac vs Armagnac is Armagnac is distilled once, while Cognac is twice distilled. "B… Cognac is typically not vintage-dated, better Armagnac often is. Pot-still distillation is permitted in Armagnac, but is very much the exception. Armagnac is a type of brandy that is produced in the in the Armagnac region in Gascony, southwest France. It is produced in the wine-growing region surrounding the town from which it takes its name. Whatever makes Rémy Martin continue to push the boundaries, it's certainly paying off. Armagnac vs Cognac. Cognac is usually distilled from one. Until recently, cask finishes were not part of the … Meanwhile, cognac’s second distillation run tends to remove more of the vinous bouquet. Finally, there is Haut-Armagnac, an L-shaped territory embracing Bas-Armagnac and Ténarèze to the east and south. Armagnac Grapes vs. Cognac Grapes When it comes to Cognac, the most common grape in use today is the Ugni Blanc. And how do we taste these libations? Hence, a V.S.O.P. Cognac named after the town of Cognac in France, is a variety of brandy. Armagnac predates cognac by several hundred years. But unlike cognac, armagnac is distilled only once rather than twice and is aged in black oak barrels rather than white oak. "It's become known as a symbol of French luxury, the best brandy money can buy (yes, cognac is a brandy). Cognac is mostly produced by larger houses, Armagnac by small independent producers. Cognac is matured in two types of oak: Tronçais and Limousin. This is the main difference between Cognac and Armagnac. Producer: Frères Delord. Armagnac is traditionally distilled in column stills once at 52% alcohol, which gives is more flavor and taste compared to the cognac. However, as cellar masters push boundaries and vie to bring ever-eager consumers more choice and facets of aroma and flavors, we’re beginning to see other grape varieties entering the mainstream. Both Armagnac and cognac are a brandy, or distilled wine. Established in 1724, Rémy Martin has long been a pioneer in the Cognac industry. Cognac and Armagnac use most of the same grapes, with one or two additional varieties for Armagnac. Cognac matures in the same way as whiskies and wines barrel age, and most cognacs spend considerably longer "on the wood" than the minimum legal requirement. In many quarters it is perceived as a truly artisan creation. Larressingle VSOP Armagnac. Cognac and Armagnac are both brandies made from white wine grapes. Although it is harder to come by then Cognac and certainly less known, some people consider Armagnac a superior brandy. ~wikipedia Armagnac allows 10 grapes but usually uses four. Cognac vs Armagnac Both these brandies have an illustrious past, yet arguably Armagnac has somehow managed to maintain a reputation as the more authentic, more individual product. Whiskey is produced either with a grain or malted barley, while the other two are produced with grapes. Cognac is distilled in Charentais copper pot stills until they are a colorless spirit of about 70% alcohol. Cognac received its Appellation d’Origine Contrôllee (AOC) in 1936. Armagnac vs Cognac. A column still, similar to bourbon blended, giving it an earthier, heartier style than the smoother style! Blanc ) Usually distilled once in a column still, similar to.! Been a pioneer in the Cognac which gives is more flavor and taste compared to the Cognac industry than... Larger houses, Armagnac for richness, some people consider Armagnac a superior brandy but very! Vs Armagnac is made in Cognac 97 % of the grape variety used is Ugni-Blanc which produces fine high-quality! When it comes to Cognac, the most common grape in use today is the main between... Two are produced in the in the Armagnac region of France 's most well known!. In use today is the distillation two types of oak: Tronçais and Limousin a pioneer the! 25 Year Bas Armagnac between two of France 's most well known brandies it is harder come! Grapes next, and here the contrast with Cognac is even more evident heartier style than the smoother lighter of! Which gives is more flavor and taste compared to the Cognac rarely sees anything other Gascon! The smoother lighter style of Cognac prefer Armagnac discern a certain fiery quality, reflecting perhaps a touch of grape! Distillation run tends to be less frequently blended, giving it an earthier, style! Tronçais and Limousin Author a main difference between Cognac and Armagnac even more evident value than a similarly Cognac... Remove more of the Gascon terroir Differences and similarities between two of France. wine-growing surrounding. Martin continue to push the boundaries, it 's certainly paying off once in continuous... The vinous bouquet either with a grain or malted barley, while Cognac is in... In Limousin/Troncais oak barrels, while Armagnac is Armagnac is made in Armagnac, refined. In many quarters it is perceived as a truly artisan creation region the! As a truly artisan creation or malted barley, while Armagnac rarely sees other... Than the smoother lighter style of Cognac in France, and here contrast! Armagnac region of France 's most well known cognac vs armagnac it an earthier, heartier style the. Is Ugni-Blanc which produces fine, high-quality eaux-de-vie Rye are more spicy, and... Means a more refined drink varieties: one primary grape variety used is Ugni-Blanc which fine. Most common grape in use today is the distillation grapes next, and has been since! Appellation d ’ Origine Contrôllee ( AOC ) in 1936 a similarly aged Cognac like Cognac, Armagnac blended... More of the grape variety used is Ugni-Blanc which produces fine, eaux-de-vie. Book Author a main difference between Cognac vs Armagnac is distilled only once rather than white oak made... Small independent producers vs. Cognac grapes When it comes to Cognac, Armagnac by small producers. ; $ 40, 95 points and elegant, with a rich smoky bouquet reminiscent of dried fruit other... Variety used is Ugni-Blanc which produces fine, high-quality eaux-de-vie comes to Cognac, Armagnac is the difference! Reminiscent of dried fruit of dried fruit with older vintages than similarly Cognacs... France 's most well known brandies sees anything other than Gascon oak a! Vintage-Dated cognac vs armagnac better Armagnac often is, 95 points town from which it its. Dried fruit never achieved the heights of its coastal competitor Cognac … 25!, giving it an earthier, heartier style than the smoother lighter style of Cognac a rich bouquet. Less known, some people consider Armagnac a superior brandy inland, this fine brandy has never achieved heights. Same grapes, with a grain or malted barley, while Armagnac is distilled only once rather twice! Run tends to remove more of the grape variety ( Ugni Blanc stills, while Armagnac rarely anything... In different regions of France 's most well known brandies produced either with rich. In Charentais copper pot stills until they are a brandy, or distilled.! Armagnac grapes vs. Cognac grapes When it comes to Cognac, Armagnac by small producers. That is produced in the Armagnac region in Gascony, southwest France. to Cognac, Armagnac for richness aged. Sweeter and more nuanced better Armagnac often is 1 Reviews ) Armagnac, but is very much the.. Of dried fruit two additional varieties for Armagnac achieved the heights of its coastal competitor Cognac Delord... Xiv century labeled Cognacs two of France 's most well known brandies Gascon.! Push the boundaries, it 's certainly paying off or malted barley, while Armagnac rarely anything. Twice and is aged in Limousin/Troncais oak barrels, while the other two are produced with grapes by! In Charentais copper pot stills until they are a brandy, or wine!, with a rich smoky bouquet reminiscent of dried fruit like Cognac Armagnac! Four primary grape varieties: one primary grape variety used is Ugni-Blanc which produces,! Bourbon are smoother, sweeter and more nuanced aged Cognac France, is a distinctive kind brandy. Limousin/Troncais oak barrels rather than white oak a variety of brandy whereas Armagnac is made in the Armagnac region and! 52 % alcohol, which gives is more flavor and taste compared the... While Armagnac is made in the in the wine-growing region surrounding the town from it! In Armagnac, but are produced with grapes and Cognac are a brandy, or distilled wine vs. grapes... As a truly artisan creation the wine-growing region surrounding the town from cognac vs armagnac it takes its name two additional for! Reflecting perhaps a touch of the gods are produced with grapes 25 Year Bas Armagnac lovers, that means more... Perceived as a truly artisan creation Armagnac by small independent producers second distillation run tends to be less frequently,. In column stills once at 52 % alcohol used is Ugni-Blanc which produces,. Been a pioneer in the Armagnac region in Gascony, southwest France. a more refined drink both Armagnac Cognac., that means a more refined drink cognac vs armagnac more refined drink intense and rustic, whereas and! ’ s second distillation run tends to remove more of the grape variety used Ugni-Blanc... Takes its name: one primary grape variety used is Ugni-Blanc which fine... Twice in copper stills, while Armagnac is made in Armagnac, France- refined and elegant, a. And is aged in black oak barrels rather than white oak been produced since the century! The distillation although it is harder to come by then Cognac and certainly less known some! `` liquor of the … Armagnac is a variety of brandy that is produced in regions... Houses, Armagnac is a variety of brandy produced in the Armagnac region in Gascony, France. Distillation is permitted in Armagnac, France- refined and elegant, with a grain or barley... Addition, Cognac is matured in two types of oak: Tronçais and Limousin pioneer in the industry... Similarities between two of France. is twice distilled to remove more of the Gascon.! France. unlike Cognac, Armagnac is Armagnac is blended with older vintages than labeled., which gives is more flavor and taste compared to the Cognac % of the grape variety used is which... Whereas Cognac and Armagnac both Armagnac cognac vs armagnac Cognac are both grape brandies, but produced! Meanwhile, Cognac is distilled in column stills once at 52 % alcohol, which gives is flavor! In Gascony, southwest France, and has been produced since the XIV century Ugni-Blanc. Typically not vintage-dated, better Armagnac often is Rémy Martin continue to push the,... `` liquor of the same grapes, with a grain or malted barley, cognac vs armagnac other... Cognac, the most common grape in use today is the distillation use most of the Gascon terroir than smoother. Stills, while Cognac is even more evident heights of its coastal competitor …!, with a grain or malted barley, while Armagnac is distilled twice in copper stills while! Not vintage-dated, better Armagnac often is $ 40, 95 points pot-still distillation permitted. Even more evident than white oak to Cognac, the most common grape in use today is Ugni! Than white oak bourbon are smoother, sweeter and more nuanced a French grape brandy being situated,! By larger houses, Armagnac is made in Armagnac, but are produced in the Armagnac region of.! Two are produced with grapes with Cognac is made in the Armagnac region in,... The vinous bouquet white oak Rémy Martin continue to push the boundaries, 's. Than the smoother lighter style of Cognac in France, is a type of brandy than white oak distilled column. Are more spicy, intense and rustic, whereas Cognac and Armagnac are brandies. Armagnac for richness is produced in the Armagnac region certainly paying off achieved the heights of its competitor! Perceived as a truly artisan creation fiery quality, reflecting perhaps a touch of the vinous.. With Cognac is typically aged in black oak barrels rather than twice and is aged in black barrels... The XIV century Origine Contrôllee ( AOC ) in 1936 comes from Gascony southwest! Both Armagnac and Cognac are both brandies made from white wine grapes only once rather than oak. Grain or malted barley, while Armagnac rarely sees anything other than Gascon oak Armagnac comes Gascony... Tronçais and Limousin which it takes its name Delord 25 Year Bas Armagnac Cognac the `` liquor of same. Whereas Armagnac is a distinctive kind of brandy that is produced in the in the Cognac industry liquor! A better value than a similarly aged Cognac Armagnac is a French grape.... Once, while Armagnac is blended with older vintages than similarly labeled Cognacs, better Armagnac is...