Armagnac Sempé 1951

Armagnac Sempé 1951

The Armagnac Sempé 1951 is one of life's treasures. This limited edition release harks back to the heyday of the House of Sempé, a flashback to the elegant and decadent 1950s. As the name suggests, it’s a single harvest vintage from the year 1951, made with eaux-de-vie sourced exclusively from the Armagnac AOC. It has been produced from distillates of different varieties of white grapes and aged in Gascon oak barrels for over a half a century, developing a depth of flavor that only time can bring. There are precious few vintages left of this age, so make sure to savor it while you still can. 

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. This would make a wonderful gift for anyone with a 1951 birthday or anniversary. 

How to Serve Armagnac Sempé 1951

To fully appreciate the complex depth of this vintage, we recommend serving it at a slightly warmer temperature of 20-22°C. Pour into a tulip glass and wait a few minutes for the spirit to settle and concentrate its full aromas. Take your time and savor the moment; after all, this is an Armagnac that has waited over half a century to be tasted.