Grapes: 100% Ugni Blanc

From the rolling Gascon countryside comes one of the great treasures of France: Armagnac. Château Arton is a family estate in Haut-Armagnac that has revived this historic brandy with a modern vision and a deep respect for terroir. Their flagship release, La Flamme, is only produced in the best vintages and embodies the soul of Gascony.

Harvested from Ugni Blanc grown on limestone soils, the spirit is double-distilled in traditional copper stills, then aged more than a decade in French oak barrels. The 2011 shows the hallmark balance of power and finesse that has made Arton a leader in the region’s renaissance.

On the nose, it’s rich and inviting with notes of vanilla, toasted brioche, cinnamon, and honeycomb. The palate delivers layers of apricot, dried cherry, and candied orange peel alongside warming spices and a touch of black pepper. Long, silky, and persistent, the finish lingers with woodsmoke, nuts, and a whisper of cocoa.

This is an Armagnac to savor slowly — perfect after dinner with dark chocolate, a good book, or shared in quiet company. Elegant yet soulful, La Flamme proves why Armagnac deserves a place among the world’s great spirits.