Under the influence

It is no secret that a vine will express itself differently depending on the climate that it develops in.  Whether it is hot or cold, whether the air is dry or damp, whether the wind is strong or gentle, these elements contribute to the diversity of the terroirs in the world and depending on their characteristics, define the identity of a wine region.  How is it in Armagnac then ?

The climate in Armagnac is a climate that is known as ‘temperate, with an oceanic influence’. A fairly technical way of describing something that is actually quite simple to understand.

The western part of Armagnac is mostly affected by the marked oceanic influence, whilst the eastern side is more subject to the Autan winds – a wind blowing from the southeast, as opposed to the tramontane which is a north westerly wind that blows in the midi region. This eastern part of Armagnac therefore has more of a continental or Mediterranean climate depending on the wind.

With an oceanic influence on the one side and the Autan wind on the other, it is also easy to notice the differences in the architecture of the region’s houses that reflect the attention that builders took into account in order to cope with the contrasts of climate : low and compact, they were destined to withstand this type of weather.

When talking about the climate in Armagnac, it is wise to speak of a transitional climate between the Landes that is mild and humid and the Toulouse climate that is drier with more contrasting temperatures.

Typically, the seasons are similar in Armagnac: winters are quite short and it is rare to see snow, spring is often rainy, summer is hot and dry and autumn is clement which is favourable for the grape maturation.

So many elements that go to make up the strong identity that characterises Armagnac, its landscapes, its culture and its eau-de-vie.