Armagnac VSOP

An armagnac VSOP is a blend of eaux-de-vie in which the youngest has spent at least 4 years in oak casks: that is the rule of the appellation. Mature enough for tasting, still lively enough for an aperitif on ice or a cocktail, it is often the best way into the world of armagnac. Our selection brings together six Gascon producers, from Castarède to Dartigalongue, in 70 cl bottles, magnums or pots gascons.

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Our merchant's guide

Armagnac VSOP

What the designation on the label guarantees

The acronym comes from the English Very Superior Old Pale, a legacy of the Anglo-Saxon trading tradition. According to the Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l'Armagnac, the regulations require the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend to have spent at least 4 years ageing in cask. It is a minimum age, not an average: producers often use older armagnacs, for a richer aromatic palette and a more amber colour. Castarède's, for example, brings together Bas-Armagnac eaux-de-vie aged for at least eight years.

Like every armagnac, it is born from a white wine; distillation most often takes place in the continuous armagnac still, using the region's grape varieties: ugni blanc, baco, folle blanche and colombard, in Bas-Armagnac, Ténarèze or Haut-Armagnac.

How does it differ from a VS or an XO?

  • VS or three stars: at least 1 year in cask, livelier and fruitier. See our VS armagnacs;
  • Four years and more: the balance between fruit and oak, the category on this page;
  • XO and hors d'âge: at least 10 years, for slower sipping. See our XO armagnacs.

An age statement (6 years, 8 years) gives even more precise information: it is the minimum age of every eau-de-vie in the bottle.

Our selection, house by house

At Dartigalongue, whose family story began in Nogaro in 1838, the blend of at least 4 years is offered at 42 % in 70 cl, magnum and 250 cl pot gascon, as is the Réserve of at least 6 years, also available in the 50 cl Jens decanter. The house also offers an Organic Armagnac, made from baco 22A and folle blanche, with at least five years in cask. At Château de Millet, the Dèche family presents a 5-year-old at 42 %. Baron de Sigognac offers its Réserve, aged five years in French oak. Castarède and Delord each offer their blend at 40 %, presented in a gift sleeve. Finally, Clés des Ducs completes the range with an 8-year-old; its VSOP won a silver medal at the Talents de l'Armagnac competition.

Aromas and tasting

The interprofession describes a balance between aromas of cooked, sometimes candied, fruit and notes of oak and spice; on the palate, the light structure brought by the cask is already well integrated, with good length. Each producer specifies its style: plum, pear and sweet almond at Dartigalongue; vanilla, prune and a great sense of freshness at Castarède; vanilla and a pleasant oakiness at Delord; vanilla and toast on the nose for Millet.

  • As an aperitif: on ice or in a cocktail, preferably with a fruity cuvée, ideal for keeping the power of the fruit;
  • At the table: barely chilled, with pan-fried foie gras, or with blue cheeses such as fourme or roquefort, two pairings recommended by the BNIA;
  • As a digestif: at room temperature, in a tulip glass, to savour it and appreciate all its richness.

Giving a four-year-old armagnac

It is a safe gift for introducing someone to armagnac: most bottles come in a gift sleeve, and Dartigalongue's magnum or pot gascon make fine presents for a festive table. To mark a specific year, choose a vintage armagnac; for lovers of strong sensations, a cask strength armagnac, bottled without reduction.

Frequently asked questions

What is an armagnac VSOP?

A blend in which the youngest eau-de-vie has at least 4 years of ageing in cask.

What is the difference between VS and VSOP?

The time spent in cask: at least 1 year for VS, at least 4 years for VSOP, which is rounder and more complex.

Which grape varieties are used?

The varieties of the appellation: ugni blanc, baco, folle blanche and colombard, alone or blended depending on the estate.

How can I buy an armagnac VSOP?

Right on this page: choose your bottle, add it to your basket and pay securely. Our team will help you choose if you are unsure, depending on the strength or quality you are looking for.

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

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Explore our other Armagnacs too

Vintage Armagnac See all XOs See all cask strengths Our VS and 3 stars Discover the blanche

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