2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Armagnac is an alcoholic beverage that is compared to brandy and cognac. It is produced only in the southwestern part of France. It is accepted that this is the first distilled local drink. Armagnac is one of the favorite drinks of the French and for this reason they like to joke, saying that they kept this drink for themselves while giving cognac to the world. And in fact, exports of cognac are much higher than that of Armagnac. An interesting fact about this drink is that it is accepted as a prestigious gift, suitable especially for the delicate half of humanity.
History of Armagnac
As already mentioned, Armagnac is the oldest distilled drink in France. It has been known in the country for centuries and was originally consumed because of its supposed therapeutic properties. There is evidence that in the fourteenth century the drink was taken as an aid in redness and burning of the eyes. It was also believed to be beneficial in gout, hepatitis and other diseases.
It has also been used in massage to restore paralyzed limbs and to heal wounds faster. According to the observations of the people of the Middle Ages, taken in small quantities, Armagnac lifts the spirits, improves memory and helps a more witty expression of the recipient.
In addition, women believed that consuming it preserves youth and, above all, good skin appearance. In the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, Armagnac was distributed mainly in several markets in France, but later Dutch traders made sure that the alcohol product became more popular.
Production of Armagnac
So that a drink can be called Armagnac, it must meet several requirements. For starters, the alcoholic beverage needs to be produced in only one specific Armagnac region in the historic region of Gascony. To make it, a distillate obtained from different varieties of grapes, including June Blanc, is used. The production process includes several regulated steps.
What is specific about this type of alcohol is that it is obtained by the method of so-called continuous distillation. Using wines that must be bleached and clean, ie without sugar and sulfur. The starting distillate has 52-70 percent alcohol content.
After distillation, the Armagnac alcohol is left in barrels made of French oak. As it matures, the substance changes its color and acquires its caramel color, which may vary from species to species. The presence of the liquid in the wooden vessel is also responsible for its enchanting scent.
Although generally manufacturers of Armagnac use single distillation, in 1972 double distillation was legalized. However, it is more difficult to implement and also requires more resources, so it is less used. But we must note that after it the taste and smell of the drink are much more delicate and refined.
Armagnac is a drink that is more than wonderful for its aging. We have different maturation for different brands. But drinks usually age between three and twelve years. Of course, we also have much older representatives of the species.
Characteristics of Armagnac
Armagnac is a drink with unforgettable characteristics. It has an extremely deep, strong and rich taste, which is felt even after the first sip. At the same time it makes an impression and fragrance, reminiscent of aromas of flowers such as rose and jasmine.
In some members of the species, the smell of prunes has been added. If the drink has aged a little longer in oak barrels, it has acquired the aroma of old oak and leather. After drinking, you can feel a delicate and velvety aftertaste.
Serving Armagnac
Armagnac is the drink that, in order to reveal its most impressive qualities, must be served in a suitable glass and at a suitable temperature. Experts advise to use a special cup for Armagnac tulip type. If you do not have the opportunity to get one, you can serve the alcoholic beverage in a simple cognac glass. As for the serving temperature, it should be between 15 and 20 degrees.
Armagnac is not a drink that is served before a meal. It is even recommended to be served at the end of the meal. However, this does not mean that it should be consumed alone. It can be mixed with hot drinks such as coffee or soft drinks as a tonic.
Fruit desserts are best for this drink. You can combine it with all kinds of fruit salads, ice creams, cheesecakes, cakes and all kinds of pastries containing fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, plums, cherries, sour cherries and more. Among the suitable offers are Cake with fruit, Blueberry cheesecake, Cheesecake with blackcurrant.
Armagnac is also suitable for serving with chocolate cakes, both raw and heat-treated. Do not hesitate to harmonize the taste of the drink with sweet temptations such as Chocolate Biscuits, Easy Chocolate Roll, Chocolate Jelly, Chocolate Hedgehogs and more.
The younger Armagnac it can be served earlier, as it is served with light meat dishes. Suitable additions to it are fish dishes. Try combining it with salmon pate, baked fish or fried hake.
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Armagnac - A Symbol Of Luxury And Good Taste
Armagnac is considered a traditional French drink, but historically it is closely related to three cultures. Vineyards in France were planted by the Romans, the Celts brought oak barrels, and the Arabs invented distillation. The drink was first made in the French province of Gascony, and the first prototype of the modern drink began to be sold freely in 1461.
