France commends Armagnac Castarède

The “oldest” Armagnac house, Castarède, has been recognised as a Living Heritage Company by the French government, at the same time as launching a new range of VS and cask-strength expressions.

Armagnac Castarède has also unveiled a new range of cask strength bottlings

Founded in 1832, the independent family house described the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant certification as “a reference of quality that testifies to a French savoir-faire“.

The label is a mark of recognition put in place to reward French firms for the excellence of their traditional skills.

Situated in the Bas-Armagnac region, the estate produces a range of different expressions, which are available across 55 countries.

Armagnac Castarède owner, Florence Castarède, said: “This certification rewards the work of a team that since the company’s foundation, work together in search of excellence. This is reflected in all the stages of the Armagnac production, from the work in the vineyards, the distillation and the ageing of our products.

“Our cellar masters since 1832 have all contributed thanks to their savoir-faire and their talent to us being recognised as a Living Heritage Company.

“Today, I watch over the team on our estate situated in the heart of the Bas-Armagnac region by protecting the ancestral methods that have built our reputation, all the while modernising the process with a firm resolution of quality and respect for the environment.”

The milestone achievement comes as Armagnac Castarède releases a range of 8-year-old cask strength – ‘Brut de Fut’ – bottlings with “very different” packaging from the classic range.

Bottled at 52%, the Brut de Fut is exclusively from the estate, and is made with 100% Folle Blanche grape. It is said to offer a “warm” nose of white blossom and prunes, with a vanilla finish. On the palate, it is described as “delicate”, with tannins and notes of toast and nuts.

The house has also released a VS Armagnac, bottled at 42.5% abv. The release is a blend of two vintages, aged in oak for at least three years, with no additives.

It is said to be “delicate” on the nose, with fresh prunes, vanilla, and “a hint of hazelnut”. The mouthfeel is “young and lively” with notes of wood that become toasted, and “great length”.

Both the Brut de Fut and VS releases are aged in Gascon oak barrels, and have been launched on the French market initially.

The VS expression is available at an RRP of €35 for a 700ml bottle, while the Brut de Fut offering is priced at €110.