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Marcillac Armagnac
Exclusive World Premier
Marcillac Hors d'Age Armagnac
Bonjour Drinks is delighted to present to you the exclusive world premier of Marcillac Armagnac's latest release: Marcillac Hors d'Age.
Marcillac seriously captured our attention when they released the 1995, 1975, 1970, and 1964 vintage Armagnacs. Now they are back with a finely-blended Hors d'Age, still made in micro quantities at the family chateau not far from Lannes in the Armagnac region.
The duo of Calliste de Marcillac and cellar master Robert have put together what we think of as not only a fantastic gateway into the Marcillac range, but a wonderful gateway into Armagnac full stop.
We have taken their time to meticulously taste each of these spectacular offerings from this artisanal producer and to provide tasting notes for your consideration.
Marcillac Hors d'Age Armagnac
Growth Area: Ténarèze
Armagnac Age: Hors d'Age
ABV: 42%
Blend:
- 50% 1999 Vintage
- 25% 2003 Vintage (Single grape variety Bacco)
- 25% 2011 Vintage
Introducing the Marcillac Armagnac Hors d'Age, a harmonious and approachable blend designed to make Armagnac more accessible without compromising the distinctive character of the Marcillac range and the Tenareze terroir. This unique Armagnac blend combines 50% 1999 vintage for rich aroma and flavor, 25% 2003 vintage single grape variety Bacco for added character, and 25% 2011 vintage for a touch more alcohol, body, and strength. With an average age of 20 years, the youngest vintage is 12 years old, and the oldest is 24.
Bottled at a 42% alcohol by volume, this Armagnac offers an expressive and aromatic profile with a distinct personality, without sacrificing its balance and accessibility, perfect for all types of tasters.
Tasting notes
Nose: Pear compote, caramelized banana, English tea biscuit, vanilla, soft spices, hint of wood varnish which lifts the nose and adds a pleasant sharpness, hazelnut spread
Palate: Good initial attack, followed by soft cushioned texture. Balanced and well blended: sum more than the parts. Pear and banana compote, vanilla, spices, creamy white chocolate, a slight oak note. Excellent gateway to more mature Armagnac flavors.
Finish: Slightly tannic, characterful, fresh despite some of the non-fresh notes and flavors, fades away on caramelized fruits, vanilla and soft spices
Marcillac Hors d'Age Armagnac
The Ténarèze cru, located at the heart of the Armagnac region, is a hilly area known for its historic ridge road that has been used since prehistoric times. Nicknamed "Caesar's path" by the Romans, this route enabled travelers to journey between Bordeaux and the Pyrenees without having to cross any rivers or bridges.
This production zone experiences a more Mediterranean climate due to its exposure to the southeast wind, and its fertile soil consists of silty and sandy-clay in the valley bottoms and clay-limestone on the hillsides.
Experience the inviting and well-balanced taste of Marcillac Hors d'Age Armagnac, a true reflection of the Tenareze terroir's personality and soul and a fantastic new addition to the Marcillac Armagnac range.
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Image shows the estate.
About Marcillac Armagnac
The Armagnac House of Marcillac has ancient roots that go all the way back to the 12th century when its estate was founded by Prémonté monks who would produce Armagnac in their monastery. Fast forward to 1900 and Robert's family acquired the estate to once again distill wine for Armagnac. The family ensured to maintain the traditions of the Domaine by following the exact same vinification, distillation, and aging process that the monks had used many centuries ago.
The estate, located in the Ténarèze terroir of Armagnac, is today run by Robert, the fourth generation of the winemaker family. In 2018 his nephew, Calliste, took on the challenge of bottling an exclusive collection of very old and rare vintages that were produced, distilled, and aged on theestate. The collection aims to modernize the image of Armagnac with a sophisticated and elegant brand image and bottle design, yet with the same traditional values of production applied to the spirit held within.
One of the factors that makes this Armagnac collection from Marcillac so special, is the restrictions it is produced under. Due to the limited production, there will never be more than 500 bottles released for each vintage in a given year for a given age and only the rarest and very best vintages of the estate have been chosen for the collection. Each vintage was selected for its unique personality within its decade. Whilst they all share the common Ténarèze characteristics of a frank and powerful initial attack, they also all gradually reveal their own intriguing identities.
Where is Armagnac made?
Armagnac is also produced in South West France, but in a region known as the Pays de Gascogne. This is found west of the city of Toulouse and extends between the rivers of the Adour and the Garonne, in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. Although it covers an extensive landscape, there are only around 5,300 hectares of vineyards with grapes destined to distillation, from which around 2.8 million bottles of Armagnac are produced each year. (This is a drop in the ocean compared with more than 220 million bottles of Cognac produced in 2020).
In the same way as the Cognac growth region, that of Armagnac is also divided into different terroirs. These number three (as opposed to Cognac’s six) and are called:
- Bas-Armagnac
- Armagnac-Ténarèze
- Haut-Armagnac
Armagnac Marcillac Vintage 1970
Reviews (3)
The perfect balance for me
by Hans
21 Mar 2023
I tasted this Armagnac after reading the article “cognac vs armagnac a battle of 2 brandies”. I was pleasantly surprised with the balance of aromas, flavours, strength and texture. This is impressive for a 50+ year old brandy with no dilution. I also just love the candied fruit taste of those...
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Marcillac Vintage Collection 1970
by Taylor C.
10 Nov 2021
Nose: Extroverted yet composed first come to mind as the nose is dipped into the glass. The oak presence takes somewhat of a backseat and allows cushioned soft fruits to come forward. With time in the glass, the nutty and salted butter caramel smells make themselves apparent. Like with the 1975, I’m...
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A Special One
by Todd C.
26 Sep 2021
This is a bold tipple, the color is a nice rich aged brown, the nose has a nice bite of alcohol that gives way to a bit of vanilla and the slightest hint of green fruit. The mouth feel has a bit of upfront burn with a typical Armagnac finish. This is a special drink, as my friend stated “ a taste...
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Armagnac Age: Vintage 1970
ABV: 42%
Bottle Size: 700ml
The Ugni Blanc grapes used for this Armagnac were harvested in 1970 before being pressed and left to ferment naturally. The Armagnac Marcillac 1970 was then distilled the following winter in a continuous alembic still, traditional for this spirit. The vintage of an Armagnac corresponds exclusively to the year of harvest, and although some brands offer wonderful blends between vintages, Marcillac only bottle pure vintages. This particular release has spent decades in oak barrels, and only 500 bottles have been produced.
Armagnac Marcillac Vintage 1975
Reviews (2)
Marcillac Vintage Collection 1975
by Taylor C.
10 Nov 2021
Nose: Massive! The nose is very buttered and dessert-like - patissier is the word in French. Right off the bat, smells of butterscotch, caramel, toffee, dried red fruits, and vanilla compete for the nose’s attention. The vanilla is not front and center because the other bombastic notes steal the...
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The Best So Far
by Glen W.
2 Oct 2021
Opening the bottle gives you the fragrance of fruit, it was incredible. The taste is long and powerful for an armangnac. I have tried many, but this is the best so far. Apricot, chocolate, you get it all with this one. You immediately know this is well aged and special. You also get just the...
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Armagnac Age: Vintage 1975
ABV: 42%
Bottle Size: 700ml
The vintage of an Armagnac corresponds exclusively to the year of harvest and the eau-de-vie is traditionally distilled some time later. On leaving the alembic still, the eau-de-vie is transparent, with an alcohol percentage between 52% and 60%. At this moment, the Armagnac is highly aromatic, with fruity and floral notes; the subsequent maturation in oak casks provides complexity and increasing softness. Harvested in 1975, the grapes used for the Armagnac Marcillac 1975 were pressed and left to ferment naturally. The wines were then distilled the following winter before being put into Gascon oak barrels. This particular release has spent well over 40 years maturing, with only 500 bottles produced at an ABV of 42%.
Armagnac Marcillac Vintage 1995
Reviews (1)
Marcillac Vintage Collection 1995
by Taylor C.
10 Nov 2021
Nose: This is a more obvious nose, one that is easier to get along with and to understand. The nose immediately confirms the sensation of richness picked up from eyeing the Armagnac - an Armagnac to chew on. Front and center is a lovely vanilla extract aroma. Just behind the vanilla notes are caramelized...
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Armagnac Age: Vintage 1964
ABV: 42%
Bottle Size: 700ml
The Ugni Blanc grapes used for this Armagnac were harvested in the month of October 1964 before being pressed and left to ferment naturally. The Armagnac Marcillac 1964 was then distilled the following winter in a specific continuous alembic still: a vintage pure copper apparatus that was endorsed in 1818 by a stove maker in Auch, Sieur Tuillière, under the reign of King Louis XVIII, and adapted over time by the region’s distillers. With such a history, you know this release will be memorable.
Armagnac Marcillac Vintage 1964
Reviews (9)
Is it a cognac flavor?
by Wenge W.
15 Dec 2021
My perception of Armagnac is the taste of plums. This Armagnac, changed my perception of it. The richness of fresh fruit aromas and an underlying note of oak is complemented by elegant rancio. A clear taste of cognac brandy, complex and layered, a very mesmerizing sensation.
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A defining moment that switched me from Cognac to Armagnac
by Patrick D.
8 Nov 2020
To be honest, as a Cognac connoisseur, I picked this bottle of Armagnac because its packaging. I love the way its modern wooden casket gradually reveals the ancient mousquetaire's cross as I open it and stage it before serving the precious liquor to my wife and friends. Probably and somewhat unconsciously...
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Excellent Armagnac from a small producer
by Ana Garay
30 Jul 2020
Excellent Armagnac from a small boutique producer. Not easy to find online, I am glad to see this product available on CE. Tasted in France during a trip to Gascony, we enjoyed the complexity and evolution of this Armagnac. Good price as well considerinig its over 55 years old. The packaging makes...
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Armagnac Age: Vintage 1964
ABV: 42%
Bottle Size: 700ml
The Ugni Blanc grapes used for this Armagnac were harvested in the month of October 1964 before being pressed and left to ferment naturally. The Armagnac Marcillac 1964 was then distilled the following winter in a specific continuous alembic still: a vintage pure copper apparatus that was endorsed in 1818 by a stove maker in Auch, Sieur Tuillière, under the reign of King Louis XVIII, and adapted over time by the region’s distillers. With such a history, you know this release will be memorable.
Armagnac Marcillac Vintage Collection 1970
TASTING NOTES
Eye: Identical to the Marcillac 1975, the Marcillac 1970 pours a deep copper color with metallic reflections. As the glass bowl is coated for the first time, one will notice a disk that sets on the walls of the glass and refuses to cast legs. After a brief moment of time in motionless suspension, the disk breaks and slowly crawling legs drip down the glass. Once again, richness, body, depth, and texture seem to be present in spades.
Nose: Extroverted yet composed first come to mind as the nose is dipped into the glass. The oak presence takes somewhat of a backseat and allows cushioned soft fruits to come forward. With time in the glass, the nutty and salted butter smells make themselves apparent. Behind it all there are some warming tingly spices in the mix. Everything is in good proportion: the oak, the fruit - candied and dried - the vanilla, the spices, and the nutty buttery notes. Nothing is out of place; nothing is edgy. All aromas act as one cohesive unit. The taster’s attention is captured from the first second. It is not an outrageous nose; It’s just a classic, sophisticated, almost perfect nose. Bravo!
Palate: In the mouth, from the entry to the midpalate all the way to the finish, everything is measured and seamless in transition. The oakiness, while certainly present, is more civilized. The fruits, both candied and dried, are soft and provide cushion for the palate. Speaking of fruits, this Armagnac is all about red raisins, figs, fig jam, Medjool dates. Fresh fruit pastes also feature prominently. There’s also more of the dark raw honey. The texture is again out of this world, as one could swirl and chew on this without swallowing for hours on end. The warming spice tingle is present throughout, but thankfully never adds heat. The finish shows the grainy rustic tannins, and the black tea astringency does ruffle the cheeks, but it’s all just so fine. What more can one say? This is a fantastic mature Armagnac!
Why buy:
You want to go all-in on an Armagnac of character and depth, but your love of Cognac has taught you to treasure nuance, elegance, and balance. Hands down, the Armagnac Marcillac 1970 is your winner.
Armagnac Marcillac Vintage Collection 1975
TASTING NOTES
Eye: The Marcillac 1975 pours a deep copper color with a metallic sheen. As the glass bowl is coated for the first time, one will notice a disk that sets on the walls of the glass and refuses to cast legs. After a brief moment of time in motionless suspension, the disk breaks and slowly crawling legs drip down the glass. This seems to be on another level of richness and body.
Nose: Massive! The nose is very buttered and dessert-like - patissier is the word in French. Right off the bat, smells of butterscotch, caramel, toffee, various candied and dried fruits, and vanilla compete for the nose’s attention. The vanilla is not front and center because the other bombastic notes steal the spotlight. With time in the glass, a nuttiness sets in. One can find a similar nuttiness in Cognacs from the Borderies, for example. There is an old wood note, but again it’s not center stage because of the richly seductive dessert and fruit notes which leap from the glass. Lastly, it must be said that one could be forgiven for thinking he or she is smelling a sherry bomb single malt whisky - a proper malternative nose as the whisky community would say. One could just smell this all night. It’s a nose from another planet!
Palate: This is a mouthful of an Armagnac. The texture is immense. It is an Armagnac to chew on. The palate initially feels how oak-driven this Armagnac is. The force of the oak fades away only for bags of sultry sweet fruits to take the relay: fig jam and Medjool dates all coated in a dark high strength raw honey. It is a heavier spirit with a memorable texture. As the Armagnac is swallowed, the oakiness reappears and the grainy rustic tannins roar back leaving a pleasant bitterness in the mouth. The astringent sensation on the finish is like that from drinking a fine black tea. This must be viewed as a positive as the firmness on the finish counterbalances the honeyed fruity notes from the midpalate. This is a robust Armagnac of real character. Seemingly hours after tasting, the teeth will still feel as though the Armagnac is clinging to them. While full of muscle and authority, this is just a fascinating explosion of smells, flavors, and sensations!
Why buy:
No messing around, you want to go all-in on a robust Armagnac full of depth and character. The Armagnac Marcillac 1975 fits the bill. And you sherry bomb whisky fans out there: You won’t regret this!
Armagnac Marcillac Vintage Collection 1995
TASTING NOTES
Eye: The Marcillac 1995 pours an amber color with shimmers of copper. As the glass bowl is coated with the Armagnac for the first time, one will notice crawling legs reluctantly moving down the glass, hinting at a certain richness and body.
Nose: The nose immediately confirms the sensation of richness picked up from eyeing the Armagnac. This will most likely be an Armagnac to chew on. Front and center is a lovely vanilla extract aroma. Just behind the vanilla notes are caramelized apples and pears; apple cinnamon applesauce comes to mind. Soft baking spices are lurking, but this does not seem to be an overtly spicy Armagnac. It really is a fantastic nose. It’s fresh, fruit-driven, and youthful, while simultaneously showing the signs of maturity and the delicate oakiness often found in mature Cognacs and Armagnacs.
Palate: In the mouth initially there are no surprises. The clean pleasant vanilla from the nose shows up in the mouth. There is some oak spice, but it is measured and in balance. As far as the fruit: applesauce, caramelized pear, and toffee apples. Yes indeed, the Armagnac is chewy and has a wonderful texture. The flavors are integrated in the sense that no one flavor sticks out, or is heavy handed. The time spent in the barrel has allowed the flavors to melt and marry. Despite the chewy texture, there is not an ounce of sweetness in the mouthfeel. This is due to somewhat grainy tannins and tingly rustic finish that cause the cheeks to contract under the teeth. Grainy or rustic should not be taken with a negative connotation. Here they add character and provide a touch of firmness to the finish that contrasts the heavier layered texture - heavier layered texture compared to Cognac, that is. The 1995 delivers in its aromas, flavors, and sensations. It’s clearly an Armagnac, but it’s not too far of a departure from the Cognacs we all hold dear to our hearts. This is a fantastic gateway into the world of Armagnac.
Why buy:
You’re curious to explore Armagnac but want a relatively friendly gateway into the spirit. The Armagnac Marcillac 1995 is without a doubt the one for you!
Armagnac Marcillac Vintage 1964: Flawless Maturity
- -20%
Available
Reviews:
(5/5) Stars By Alain C. on 16 May 2021
OUTSTANDING ARMAGNAC
This Armagnac is highly aromatic, with fruity and floral aroma, complex but soft on the palate.very balanced and smooth finish. An amazing vintage!
(5/5) Stars By Patrick D. on 8 November 2020
A DEFINING MOMENT THAT SWITCHED ME FROM COGNAC TO ARMAGNAC
To be honest, as a Cognac connoisseur, I picked this bottle of Armagnac because its packaging. I love the way its modern wooden casket gradually reveals the ancient mousquetaire's cross as I open it and stage it before serving the precious liquor to my wife and friends. Probably and somewhat unconsciously it signaled the promise that fond memories would spring from the past into my busy life. And that is exactly what I experienced with the glass.
Armagnac is Cognac PLUS: Same wonders coming from the fine alcohol aged in a perfect wooden barrel for so many years, PLUS an incredible richness of flavors and perfumes tracing back to the very grapes and the very soil and the unique year it was harvested from. This shows down through the tears in that bottle...
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