Armagnac 2010

What is a 2010 vintage armagnac?

On the label, the vintage indicates the year the grapes were harvested. A 2010 armagnac therefore comes from the 2010 wine alone, distilled and then aged without being mixed with other harvests. That is the big difference from age statements, VSOP, XO or hors d'âge, which are born from a blend of several years. The vintage, on the other hand, lets you taste one harvest and the style of one house, with nothing in between.

The Dartigalongue 2010

The Dartigalongue family has been ageing its brandies in Nogaro, in the heart of Bas-Armagnac, since 1838. Its 2010 is an AOC Bas-Armagnac from a single harvest, reduced to 42% ABV and presented in a 70 cl bottle, in a sleeve. The house describes a very appealing nose of candied orange, sandalwood and sweet spices, then a palate of lovely roundness, with notes of plum and toasted wood. The finish, according to the house, stays fresh and lingers on candied citrus.

For its armagnacs, the house combines three grape varieties: ugni blanc for fruitiness, baco 22A for structure and folle blanche for floral elegance. The house does not specify the exact grape varieties of this vintage.

The Clés des Ducs 2010

At Clés des Ducs, the 2010 bears the Armagnac appellation and is 40% ABV. It is the brandy from a single harvest, never blended. The cellar master chooses his casks to obtain, according to the house, a long, rich and smooth armagnac, with deliberately light oak. It is presented in the 70 cl Exception bottle, in a cardboard gift box.

Founded in 1774 in Panjas, in the Gers, the house has belonged to the Armanoir Group since 2008. It distils at low temperature in a copper armagnac still and ages its brandies in black Gascon oak casks, with a measured toast to preserve the finesse of the spirit.

2009 or 2010: comparing two vintages from Nogaro

The Nogaro house also offers a 2009 armagnac, at the same strength. The house's descriptions allow a rare comparison: the 2009 is presented as indulgent, with prune, cinnamon and caramelised apple, and silky tannins; the 2010 as more appealing and fresher, with candied orange, plum and a citrus finish. Same estate, same family, same vineyard: it is the vintage that changes. For a vertical tasting with family, opening the two side by side is a lovely experience.

2010, Spain world champions

On 11 July 2010, Spain won the first football World Cup held in Africa in Johannesburg, beating the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time (source: Wikipedia, article "Coupe du monde de football 2010"). Andrés Iniesta scored the only goal of the final. In the Gers, the harvest followed its course, then the winter saw the stills at work. Neither house publishes an assessment of the 2010 harvest, so we do not make one up.

From the vine to the glass

The appellation brings together three areas: Bas-Armagnac, Ténarèze and Haut-Armagnac. In each, the winegrower first produces a dry white wine, from ugni blanc, baco, folle blanche or colombard; folle blanche, the historic grape of Gascony, is renowned for its finesse. Each estate, each property keeps its own choices of grape varieties, casks and length of ageing. This wine is distilled continuously in the armagnac still, a Gascon tradition that sets armagnac apart from cognac, which is distilled twice. The brandy then ages in oak casks, in the cellar, where it takes on its colour and its aromas of vanilla, dried fruit or caramel. Bottling stops its development.

Our two 2010s are reduced before bottling, and not sold as brut de fût. For that more intense style, at natural strength, see our brut de fût armagnacs.

Tasting a 16 year old armagnac

At 16, an armagnac is still in its youth: fruit dominates, wood accompanies, and the rancio of very long ageing is not yet there. The colour is often a bright amber. The slightly higher strength of the Nogaro 2010 will give a fuller, spicier palate; the one from Panjas a softer attack and a more balanced whole. Each cuvée keeps a unique character, with an aromatic range that is more or less complex depending on the house: that is the whole pleasure of a comparative tasting.

Serve it at room temperature, in a tulip glass, after a few minutes of airing. As a digestif, it goes with a coffee, dark chocolate or an orange dessert, echoing the candied citrus of the first. Over an ice cube as an aperitif, or in a cocktail, a vintage of this age also suits more relaxed moments.

A gift for 2010

In 2026, couples married in 2010 celebrate their 16th wedding anniversary. A bottle of their vintage is a fitting nod, to share as a couple or with loved ones. For a child born in 2010, the armagnac is kept: given today to the parents, it will be opened for their 18th birthday, in 2028, or for another big day. As the sale of alcohol to minors is prohibited, it is the adults who keep it: the child will be able to discover it once they come of age. In the bottle, it no longer ages and does not spoil if well stored: upright, somewhere cool, away from light.

For other nearby years, see also the 2011 armagnac.

Other houses to discover

Not all our producers sign a 2010, but other estates from the South West await you in older vintages: Château de Laubade, Château de Millet in Eauze, the Delord house and Jean Cavé in Lannepax, Château de Bordeneuve or Domaine de Pellehaut, whose 2005 is a pure folle blanche. Enough to discover other styles of this Gascon spirit, from the finest to the most full-bodied.

Frequently asked questions about 2010 armagnac

Which 2010 armagnac should I choose?

For aromas of candied citrus and spices, with a little more power, the Dartigalongue at 42% ABV; for a smooth style and discreet oak, the one from Panjas at 40% ABV.

What is the price of a 2010 armagnac?

It varies with the house and the strength. Each product page on this page shows the producer, the bottle size and the price.

Where can I buy a 2010 armagnac online?

At Plaisirs de Gascogne, a shop specialising in armagnac vintages. Our selection comes from houses in the Gers; ordering and payment are secure, delivery is available in France and across Europe, and our customer service answers your questions and advises you before you buy.

Should I keep a 2010 armagnac in the cellar?

It is not necessary to improve it, since it no longer evolves in the bottle, but it keeps very well: that is what makes it a fine collector's piece or a gift to open later.

Discover all our vintage armagnacs, year by year.

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