REGION: Gascony

Built in 1540, Château de Briat first served as the hunting manor for Henri IV, King of France. Here, Stephane de Luze distills Colombard, Baco, and Folle Blanche, allowing his Armagnac to rest in the estate’s historic chai with little intervention, creating accessible yet contemplative spirits.

Domaine de Pellehaut, overlooking Monteal-du-Gers, is a true farming estate run with traditional practices by Martin and Mathieu Béraut. Folle Blanche and Ugni Blanc are used to create brandies of varying age that set a benchmark for Armagnac from the Ténarèze.

In 2007, Domaine Boingnères celebrated its 200th anniversary. Located in the small commune of Le Frêche, the area has perhaps the best growing soil of the Bas-Armagnac. Proprietor Martine Lafitte is a strict traditionalist and releases all Boingnère's Armagnac at cask strength.

The Domaine d’Ognoas estate can be traced to the 11th or 12th century and has long been an agricultural showcase for the region of Bas-Armagnac. The estate boasts the oldest working still in Gascony which was designated as a historic monument in 2004.

Domaine Ravignan features one of the most beautiful châteaus in all of Gascony. Armagnac distilled at a low degree ensures plentiful fruit, new oak gives wonderful structure, and long aging ensures a natural concentration of flavors, proving why Ravignan is so respected within the region.

Louis Roque, a 3rd-generation distiller, established his own distillery in the heart of Souillac in 1905 where he began making brandy from plums supplied by local farmers. The company, now run by the 5th generation, continues to produce this sublime and undersung spirit.