ARMAGNAC USES FOUR TYPES OF GRAPES TO GET THE BEST RESULT. HERE IS AN EXPLANATION OF THE PLANNING THAT GOES INTO PRODUCTION – PERFECT PICKS:

BACCO 22A | Bacco, the grape named after the Roman God Bacchus (LINK: https://mytrendingstories.com/article/bacchus-glitz-up-with-atwist/), is a White grape that was most highly sought after in the early 1900s. And Bacco 22A, is a hybrid grape, derived from Folle Blanche and Noah grapes. This type of grape is not used in Cognac, one of the main differences between Cognac and Armagnac.

Taste: Bacco Grapes are known for their fruity, light, very sweet, unique taste (like raisins). These appear, on the vine, as bright green or white grapes and have a subtle sharpness to their taste when eaten; they are most often picked when they are very young, or slightly under ripe.

FOLLE BLANCHE | These are the most traditional grapes of the Gascony Region, and they have, typically, been replaced by Bacco Blanc; however, Folle Blanche grapes are still being used in the production of Armagnac. Folle Blanche grapes grow wildly and quickly, and are very common all over the Southwest region of France. Therefore, these grapes are not planted here as often anymore, and other varieties are picked in addition.

Taste: Folle Blanche grapes have a characteristically dry, acidic, or slightly bitter taste. The citrus flavor they contribute to Armagnac is lighter and sharper, like the citrusy taste of green apple or a more sour hint, like the zest of lime.

COLOMBARD | The grapes that also go by the name “blanquette,” are the special kind of grapes that are used in the very first type of Champagne ever made, “Blanquette de Limoux.” These grapes are White grapes, and they are very widely used in both Armagnac and Cognac.

Taste: Colombard grapes are fruity-sweet, and used for both doux or brut wine and similar spirits. These grapes have a more acidic, tart or hardhitting, bitter taste, as opposed to being simply sweet, as their appearance suggests. The fruitiness of the grapes is more exotic, as a result, contributing to the full flavor of Armagnac.

UGNI BLANC | Ugni Blanc grapes are the most commonly planted grapes, in the Southwest Region of France, at present. Used in the production of Armagnac, they are white, until they turn a slight, pinkishhue, when over ripe. These grapes are small to medium sized, and very juicy, which is why they are among the most commonly used type of grapes for making Armagnac – That, and the taste.

Taste: Ugni Blanc grapes have a unique blend of flavors, like plain, green tea or matcha (without the creamy texture), combined with a very subtle, sweetness, reminiscent of lemon. The grapes are known for their high acidity, and are bolder in flavor, as a result.