The Terroir of Bas Armagnac
Fawn sands and exceptional grape varieties
The Terroirs of Armagnac
The Armagnac appellation is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). It is divided into three sub-regions, each characterized by distinct terroirs: Bas Armagnac, Armagnac-Ténarèze, and Haut Armagnac.
In the west, the climate is mild and temperate. The oceanic influence, humid yet softened by the Landes forest, contrasts with the Mediterranean climate to the east, shaped by the warm Autan wind.
- Bas Armagnac, in the western part of the Armagnac region, extends over parts of the Landes and Gers departments and represents 67% of the total Armagnac vineyards. This area’s sandy-silty soils include the famous “sables fauves”, historically considered the grands crus of Armagnac. The finest eaux-de-vie from this terroir are delicate and very fruity. The term “Bas” (lower) refers to its altitude relative to sea level. Château Garreau lies at the heart of these sables fauves, within the “golden triangle of Armagnac” around Labastide d’Armagnac, historically known as the first grands crus of the Grand Bas Armagnac.
- Armagnac-Ténarèze, around the town of Condom, covers the north-west of the Gers and the south of Lot-et-Garonne. It represents about 32% of the total Armagnac vineyards. Armagnacs from this area, produced on clay-limestone and boulbène soils, are often powerful and full-bodied.
- Haut Armagnac, also called “White Armagnac” because of its limestone soils, covers the eastern Gers and parts of Lot-et-Garonne. Vine cultivation developed here in the 19th century during periods of strong demand, and a few producers still maintain the Armagnac tradition today.
The Grape Varieties of Armagnac
Among the ten grape varieties authorized in Armagnac production, four play a particularly important role in shaping our eaux-de-vie. At Château Garreau, these four varieties are grown, harvested, vinified, distilled, and aged separately, allowing us to highlight the unique qualities of each.
Folle Blanche
The historic grape of Armagnac, once known as “Piquepoult”, dominated the vineyards before being devastated by phylloxera in 1878.
Today, it is rarer and more difficult to cultivate. Folle Blanche produces fine, elegant, and often floral eaux-de-vie, particularly remarkable in young Armagnacs or Blanche d’Armagnac.
Château Garreau carefully preserves its parcel of Folle Blanche, used notably for limited editions made entirely from this variety.
Baco
Formerly called “Baco 22A”, this grape is a unique feature in the French wine landscape. It is a hybrid, born from Folle Blanche and Noah, created by a Landes schoolteacher, Monsieur Baco, after the phylloxera crisis. Perfectly adapted to the sandy soils of Bas Armagnac, it gives round, smooth, and fruity eaux-de-vie. Beyond its aromatic richness, Baco is robust and requires fewer treatments, which led to its official recognition in the 2005 AOC specifications. For these reasons, Baco is the emblematic grape of Château Garreau, thriving in our sables fauves hillsides and contributing to the roundness and fruity signature of our Armagnacs.
Ugni-blanc
Originally from Tuscany, Italy, Ugni Blanc is the classic distillation grape, especially in Cognac, where it represents more than 95% of production. It produces acidic, low-alcohol wines that yield light and balanced eaux-de-vie. This variety adapts well to all Armagnac terroirs. At Château Garreau, Ugni Blanc is mainly blended with Baco and Folle Blanche to enrich our Armagnacs. It is also used in younger Armagnacs designed for cocktails, where its freshness and balance shine.
Colombard
Widely used today for the white wines of Côtes de Gascogne, Colombard is less common in distillation. Its fruity and spicy aromas make it a valued component in blends.
The six other authorized grape varieties are cultivated only marginally across the appellation and are not grown at Château Garreau:
Plant de Graisse (which has recently regained interest among producers), Clairette de Gascogne, Jurançon Blanc, Meslier Saint François, and Mauzac Blanc and Rosé.
These are all traditional varieties recognized in the official appellation decree.
Partial source: Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac (www.armagnac.fr)
