Domaine Tariquet XO Bas Armagnac

Detailed Description

This aged Bas-Armagnac is a blend of eaux-de-vie, the youngest of which has been aged for at least 15 years in oak barrels.

Domaine Tariquet XO Bas Armagnac Tasting Notes

Nose: An intense bouquet, steeped with the aromas of freshly baked bread, toast and underlying candied fruit.

Palate: Fresh, supple and well-rounded on the palate, revealing a subtle union of vanilla oak and fruit.

Finish: Good length, with the aromas of dried fruit and toast on the finish.

Distillery Information

The story of Tariquet involves two world wars, two continents and two bears. During the late 19th century, many French country folk experienced financial hardship and were forced to emigrate. Among their number was a young man, named Artaud. Artaud lived in Ercé in Ariège. The little village is at the foot of the Pyrenees, and there were many mountain bears. Artaud learned bear taming, at which he was particularly adept. With his two bears in tow he left for America. In 1912, Artaud returned to France and happened upon the Tariquet wine estate in Éauze. His meagre savings were not enough to purchase the estate and so he invited his son, Jean-Pierre Artaud who lived in New York, to buy the property with him. With the onset of the First World War, Jean-Pierre returned to France to fight, leaving his wife, Pauline, in New York. Jean-Pierre sustained a bayonet wound and, having suffered from amnesia, recovered in a French hospital until 1922. Once he had recuperated, he returned to New York. Pauline had met every boat that came from Le Havre, waiting for her husband to return. When he eventually did return, Artaud’s injuries left him almost unrecognisable. The couple travelled back to France. Upon their return they bore a child, Hélène.