Armagnac Sempé 1981

Armagnac Sempé 1981

Distilled after the harvest of 1981, this stunning vintage represents a snapshot of a single year, with its individuality drawn from the soil, rainfall and sunshine which produced the grapes for its production. The Armagnac Sempé 1981 is a rustic but refined example of the Bas-Armagnac style, sourced from Groupe Viticole Gerland in the early 2000s. For each vintage, successive cellar masters at Sempé draw from carefully selected casks to preserve and develop mature Armagnacs in keeping with their founder Abel Sempé's triple motto: ‘aroma, roundness, length’.

Armagnac is a grape brandy produced in the Gascony region of southwest 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. The wood used for Armagnac casks is a particular wide-grained variety found in the Gascon forest, which has been toasted to a medium char to develop its sweetness and tannins perfectly. The wide grain allows for accelerated movement of the spirit in and out of the wood, creating depth of flavor and a well-developed aroma. 

The House of Sempé is one of the best-known trading houses in Armagnac, founded in 1934 by Abel Sempé, a Gascon who worked tirelessly in the service of his country and his region. Known as a member of the resistance for the Armagnac battalion, he later served as Senator for the Gers for many years. He spread the Sempé Armagnac brand around the world in the 1950s and some of the stunning vintages he acquired can still be enjoyed today. 

Presentation of the Bottle

Shown in a classic ‘Milady’ bottle, this expression features a stunning label decorated with gold and a simple wooden presentation box emblazoned with the Sempé name. 

How to Serve Armagnac Sempé 1981

We recommend trying this vintage Armagnac after dinner, paired with traditional Gascon desserts or even a cigar. Pour into a tulip glass and let it rest for 30 seconds or so before taking a sip. Appreciate every aroma and flavor note, the result of years in oak, waiting for the moment when the liquid touches your lips.