Esperance Bas Armagnac Cognacaise

Situated on a hillside in Bas-Armagnac, on the border between the Gers and Landes regions, Domaine d’Espérance was bought by Jean-Louis and Claire de Montesquiou in 1990. Since when they have restored the estate, already renowned for its Grand Cru Armagnac, and developed a distinguished range of wines. The 30-hectare vineyard is settled on tawny sands—clayey and sandy soils—who give the domain's wines their fruity notes. A quarter of the surface area is dedicated to distillation. The team practices “reasonable” farming, limiting the inputs to the very minimum. Baco, Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Gros Manseng... but also Tannat, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc contribute to provide a wide range of flavours to the house's creations. Claire de Montesquiou's main love is Armagnac. By carefully selecting her grapes, with continuous distilling at a low degree, she produces brandies that keep all the aromas of the wine. The house offers 5 and 10 years old spirits as well as vintages of which the oldest are much appreciated in Russia. Part of the labels is drawn by her friend designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. These nectars are of the kind that has to be tasted plain, taking one's time, after a dinner, warming up the glass in one's hand.