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Armagnac owes much of its unique character to an inseparable plant companion: the oak. Without it, the vine at the origin of this nectar would be powerless to offer us its complex and captivating aromas. Fortunately, the Armagnac region is full of oak forests, essential for transforming eau-de-vie into a beverage.
These trees, once split, give off scents of damp earth and wildlife. Allowing the Armagnac, after several years in barrel, a subtle and wild scent. The Gascon tradition, rich in its traditions and customs, favors the aging of Armagnac in Gascon oak barrels, thus promoting a perfect alchemy between wood and wine.
But which oak should you choose to properly house the Armagnac? The region is blessed with five main varieties, each bringing its own unique touch to the eau-de-vie
- The Pedunculate Oak : Recognizable by its twisted trunk and elongated acorns. It is most used in cooperage, particularly appreciated for its distinct aromas.
- The Sessile Oak : With its straight trunk and egg-shaped acorns. It is also authorized in cooperage and often crossed with pedunculate oak for its specific qualities.
- Tauzin Oak : Its very cut and fluffy leaves give it a unique aesthetic, although it is less used in cooperage.
- Downy Oak : Also known as truffle oak, it plays a role in the production of truffles, adding additional richness to the region.
- Oak-Cork : Essential for the production of corks, it completes the life cycle of Armagnac, from the forest to the bottle.
The “Corkscrew” initiative highlights the importance of cork recycling, inviting the collection of corks to finance humanitarian actions.
Ultimately, pedunculate and sessile oaks, thanks to their unique characteristics and their perfect adaptation to the climate and soil of Armagnac, are the chosen ones for making barrels. The forest of Monlezun-d'Armagnac, with its seed oaks, is a national treasure, whose acorns, carefully harvested and cultivated, continue to perpetuate the tradition and quality of Armagnac.
