Armagnac 1904

1904, an old armagnac from the Belle Époque

A vintage armagnac contains only the wine of a single harvest, here that of 1904. Unlike VSOP or XO, which blend several ages, as is also done for cognac, it has never been mixed. That a lot of this old armagnac still remains today is down to the patience of a family of distillers, who kept it in reserve for more than a century. This historic lot is an exceptional piece for any enthusiast.

The Entente Cordiale and FIFA

On 8 April 1904, France and the United Kingdom signed a series of bilateral agreements known as the "Entente Cordiale" (source: Wikipedia, article "Entente Cordiale"). The same year, FIFA was founded in Paris (source: Wikipedia, article "FIFA"). We found no producer source on the 1904 harvest in Gascony, and we do not characterise it.

Our 1904 Bas-Armagnac

The bottle comes from the collection of old vintages of the Jean Cavé armagnac house, founded in 1883 in Lannepax, in the Gers, and run today by Henri Cavé, the fourth generation. Its label states the Bas-Armagnac AOP appellation: it therefore comes from Bas-Armagnac, one of the three regions of the appellation, in the South West. According to the product sheet, the armagnac has undergone no blending and was bottled brut de fût, without added water; the strength is shown on the label. It is presented in 70 cl, in a wooden box. See also our other brut de fût armagnacs.

One terroir, three appellations

Armagnac is divided into three terroirs: Bas-Armagnac, Ténarèze and Haut-Armagnac. The white wine, made mainly from ugni blanc, baco, folle blanche and colombard, is distilled continuously in the armagnac still, then aged in oak casks in the cellar. During ageing, the wood gives the brandy its colour, its tannins and its aromas. Armagnac no longer ages once in the bottle: a bottled lot keeps the aromatic profile it had when it left the cask.

Tasting and giving

The house does not publish a tasting note for this 1904 lot; we do not invent one. For tasting, serve it in a small measure, at room temperature, in a tulip glass, and let it open up before tasting: very old armagnacs often reveal their aroma over the minutes, then linger long on the palate. Rare, it is given to a collector, for the anniversary of a house or a company, or to pass on an exceptional bottle. Keep it upright, away from light.

See also: the 1903 armagnac and the 1905 armagnac, or, in our online wine merchant's selection, more recent years from Château de Laubade, Castarède, Dartigalongue and Domaine de Pellehaut: spirits from the same region.

Frequently asked questions about 1904 armagnac

How much does a 1904 armagnac cost?

The price reflects the rarity of a 122 year old harvest; it is shown on the product page.

Where can I buy a 1904 armagnac?

Online, on Plaisirs de Gascogne: add to basket, secure payment and delivery in France and Europe.

What are the characteristics of the 1904 armagnac?

A Bas-Armagnac AOP from Jean Cavé, from a single harvest, brut de fût, without blending, in 70 cl with a wooden box.

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Please enjoy responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption is harmful to health.