Read more about the Spirits project.
Chateau du Busca 1951 Armagnac - (estimated retail price: $1,088.00 per bottle) Thursday, we're pouring one ounce for $21
This is the most ambitious and rare bottle to date in The Spirits Project. I'm very excited!
In the middle ages, the entire region of Gasgony belonged to the Earls of Armagnac. Armagnac is the oldest brandy in France. Reputed for its therapeutic virtues in the Middle Ages, it has enjoyed success since the 16th century. Charles de Batz (better known as D’Artagnan) was no doubt the first person to export armagnac - he is known to have had a few flasks with him at the battle of Maastricht.
The Armagnac region in South West France consists of three areas, Haut-Armagnac to the east, Bas-Armagnac to the west and Ténarèze in the centre. The Busca-Maniban property is located in Ténarèze, which has been a grape-growing region since the Gallo-Roman era. The soil is a unique mixture of clay, limestone and sandy 'boulbènes' (a local word for alluvial soil), producing more full-bodied armagnacs than those of neighbouring Bas-Armagnac, and with a stronger bouquet. It is the manliest and sexiest of Armagnacs.
Chateau du Busca covers 200 hectares (almost 500 acres) and has produced armagnac since the mid-17th century. We are fortunate that the chateau is able to preserve old stocks in a library and release them from time to time. The 1951 was a superb vintage and this is an historic bottle. As many of you know, I have a weakness for Armagnac, and those from the Tenareze are an absolute favorite.
At 6:30 on Thursday, we will open bottle number 343 of 435 produced. The first ounce will go to yours truly. The next 24 are up for grabs.
Comments