Armagnac Jean Cavé Brut de Fût 1980

Armagnac Jean Cavé Brut de Fût 1980: a Ray of Gascony Sunshine

This 1980 vintage Armagnac has been produced from some of the best wines of the Gascon region. It has been distilled in a continuous copper still and aged for decades in wide-grained, medium-toasted oak casks, allowing spectacular interaction between the eaux-de-vie and the wood. It is during this long maturation process that the Armagnac Jean Cavé Brut de Fût 1980 has acquired the fullness of its aroma, further enhanced by being bottled at a natural cask strength of 46.9% ABV. All Jean Cavé vintages come from a single year of harvest and have not undergone any blending with different vintages. In this way, each release is a perfect snapshot of the specificities of a year and a reflection of the climatic conditions from which it was created. 

Armagnac is a grape brandy produced in the Gascony region of south-west France, between the Adour and Garonne rivers by the foothills of the Pyrenees, as it has been since at least the 15th century. The terroir here is a mixture of sand and clay, spread across rolling hills drenched in sunshine during the long summer - resulting in dark, rich and rustic eaux-de-vie with concentrated flavors. 

Aside from monitoring the maturation of each cask, the Cellar Master at Jean Cavé takes charge of alcohol reduction by adding ‘petites eaux’ (little waters), a blend of Armagnac and distilled water. He draws on his experience and an ancient savoir-faire, facilitating the union of eau-de-vie and wood to create unique and original Armagnacs worthy of the highest craftsman. In order to preserve the decades of perfumes, aromas, finesse and expression in the eaux-de-vie, it is vital to closely monitor the cellar environment as well as the casks. The cellars at Maison Jean Cavé benefit from stable humidity and temperatures thanks to an ingenious waterway that passes under the floor; with this advantage, in summer as in winter, they can rely on steady maturation. Each release is bottled in the cellar, which means you taste the purest expression of this estate with every drop. 

The team at Jean Cavé work to the principles of Henri Cavé, the fourth generation of the family.  With years of skill and passion behind them, they are the guarantors of the estate, making sure that their Armagnacs are made the same way as they were over a century ago. Today, with one hundred and thirty years of tradition passed down, they maintain a range of stock that comprises very old as well as young Armagnacs and blends.

Presentation of the Bottle

Shown in a stunning apothecary-style bottle, the design of this release is strikingly modern. The detailed packaging includes brown paper labels, including an oversized label on the neck, a large natural cork stopper, a rustic luggage tag and embossed glass emblem. This is a truly impressive range that is sure to turn heads. 

How to Serve 

Pour into a tulip glass and let it rest for 30 seconds or so before taking a sip - this will allow the aromas to fully develop, giving the optimal drinking experience. If you wish, you may add a splash of mineral water to lower the alcohol percentage of this cask strength Armagnac.