One of the best bottles available from one of Armagnac’s greatest producers. Chateau du Tariquet’s large grounds are one of the biggest in the industry, and their sprawling vineyards are used to make excellent wines. Yet it is their Armagnacs that really stand out, and this is arguably the best example of their first-rate spirit. All the grapes used to produce their wine and spirit are grown onsite. Produced using strictly a direct-wood-fired-continuous still, which must be halted every 10 days for cleaning, making distillation a laborious process. To celebrate the beginning of distillation, the house holds a large feast, where locals gather around the still to enjoy typically French country fare.

Tasting the spirit it is easy to see why it is a cause for celebration! Made from 60% Ugni Blanc and 40% grapes which have grown on Tariquet’s acidic and stony soil (this terroir is a key element to the spirit’s eventual rich flavour), this is a blend of Eau-de-Vie that have been aged for a minimum for 15 years in French oak casks. The final product is a rich, complex and luxurious Armagnac, with huge notes of chocolate truffles, butter and woodspice. Chateau du Tariquet XO makes for a peerless after-dinner drink.

• Distillery / brand
  Chateau du Tariquet
• Country
  France
• Bottler
  Distillery Bottling
• Non-chillfiltered
  No
• Natural colour
  Yes
• SKU
  023648