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The words used in Armagnac

Serpentine [ ˈsɜːpənˌtaɪn ]

The words used in Armagnac

There is nothing quite like the coiled, multicoloured serpentine ribbons that carpet the ground of a carnival or other festivals. In Armagnac however, the serpentine is nothing like a streamer. It is a copper tube that coils around in the right hand side of the alambic, the primary tool for distillation. Firstly, there is the wine that fills the wine heater and then pours over...

Pièce [ pjɛs ] the word for barrel in Armagnac

The words used in Armagnac

Piece of theatre, piece of cake or even pièce de résistance , the pièce we are talking about however, is fashioned specially in wood for ageing Armagnac! Whether it is a barrel, tun or cask, it is in this that the eau-de-vie combines with the wood and takes on the aromatic elements that will mark its memory. However, before the magic can happen in these 400 litre...

Cellar [ˈsɛlə]

The words used in Armagnac

It is here that the magic takes place; where the cellar master creates his masterpieces. Both a place of work but also a ‘sacred temple’, the cellar contains the secrets of Armagnac. Its raw and authentic atmosphere gives the impression of time standing still. You just need to open the door to feel the enveloping humidity of the air, smell the woody perfume of the barrels,...

Cellar Master (Maître de chai [mɛtʀ d ʃɛ])

The words used in Armagnac

A skilled craftsman, the cellar master beguiles and exudes an aura of mystery around him.  Though however captivating the idea of the silhouette in the shade of the barrels, the reality is far from this storybook image and doesn’t say enough about the responsibility of the one that brings Armagnac to its ultimate maturity. Responsible for producing the eaux-de-vie, he is the...

Ageing [ˈeɪdʒɪŋ]

The words used in Armagnac

When the eau-de-vie comes in contact with the wood in the quiet atmosphere of the cellar and under the watchful eye of the cellar master, this is the time for ‘élevage’ or ageing. The eau-de-vie refines its personality and assures its identity. This step is as delicate as it is essential, so in order to be the best, the Armagnac must be ‘well brought up’ or...

Appellation [æpɪˈleɪʃən]

The words used in Armagnac

If one sticks to its literal meaning, the word appellation is the action of designating someone or something by giving it a name. Its legal meaning defined since 1909 became even more significant in 1935 when the term «d’Origine Controlée» was attached to it: the appellation became a label of identity. That of products made in a limited area of production from...

Spirits [ˈspɪrɪts]

The words used in Armagnac

What is the link between the tangible reality of Armagnac and that of the more mystical one of spirits? The term spirit denotes a rich universe in what it conjures up and what it actually represents: derived from the Latin spiritus , it literally evokes the spirit and describes a large category of alcoholic drinks created by distillation and some by maceration. Today, the production...

Craft [ˈ'krɑ:ft]

The words used in Armagnac

In the world of spirits, ‘craft’ is not just an English term; it is a frame of mind.  Translation of the term « artisanal » or « craft » refers to a trend towards authenticity and transparency, or a return to the source and a truly local sense of belonging are more and more pertinent today. The impetus was initiated by American...

Pruning [ˈpruːnɪŋ]

The words used in Armagnac

Every story has its legend and the pruning of vines is no exception.  According to the myth, the inventor of this wine-growing practice was none other than a donkey.  In the fourth century, whilst monk Saint Martin was passing through the creeping vines of Abbey Marmoutier, he dozed off for a while.  The donkey that was with him was well awake however and made the most of this...