Armagnac VS and Three Star

Armagnac is a wine brandy produced in the region of the same name in southwest France. There are various classifications for Armagnac, includingArmagnac VS (Very Special) or3-star Armagnac. These designations refer to the youngest Armagnacs, i.e. those aged for a minimum of two years in oak casks. In this description, we'll introduce you to the particularities ofVS Armagnac or 3-star Armagnac, as well as its characteristics and production process.

Characteristics of VS or 3-star Armagnac

Armagnac VS is made from a blend of several eaux-de-vie from different harvest years. These eaux-de-vie are aged for at least two years in oak barrels, giving them subtle, complex aromas. The appellation"3 étoiles" refers to the three stars on the label of this type of Armagnac, symbolizing its quality and finesse.Armagnac VS is a versatile spirit, which can be enjoyed on its own, in cocktails or with food.

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Our merchant's guide

Armagnac VS and Three Star

Three stars: what the label guarantees

VS stands for "very special". According to the armagnac trade body (BNIA), an armagnac VS or three-star armagnac is a blend of brandies in which the youngest has at least 1 year of ageing in oak casks. It is the first category of the AOC, with the shortest minimum ageing: stewed fruit dominates the nose, the palate is warm and supple, and the colour stays pale. Many houses go well beyond this minimum: Domaine de Laballe's Ice has spent at least 3 years in Landes oak casks.

Like all the great Gascon bottles, this spirit is born from a white wine made from ugni blanc, baco, folle blanche or colombard grapes, in a production area covering the Bas-Armagnac, the Ténarèze and the Haut-Armagnac, across the Gers, Landes and Lot-et-Garonne.

Our selection of three-star armagnac

Seven bottles, seven styles: the VS from Castarède, the VS Signature from Baron de Sigognac, the VS from Château de Bordeneuve, the one from Château de Maniban and the one from Clés des Ducs, which also offers a Mixologie cuvée designed for cocktails, and Domaine de Laballe its Ice, at 47% in a 50 cl bottle.

How to enjoy it

  • As an aperitif: neat or over ice, for its fruity nose;
  • In cocktails: it happily replaces cognac or whisky in the classics, or stretches into a long drink with tonic;
  • In the kitchen: to flambé crêpes or deglaze a pan of ceps, it has plenty of character without calling on an old vintage.

Age statements, from youngest to oldest

The age shown always refers to the time the youngest brandy has spent in cask:

  • Three stars: at least 1 year;
  • VSOP: at least 4 years, rounder and more vanilla-led, among our VSOP armagnacs;
  • XO and hors d'âge: at least 10 years, for slow sipping, in our selection of XO armagnacs.

Over the years, the fresh notes give way to sweet spices, oak and a longer finish: each category has its own balance, to explore according to your taste.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between armagnac and cognac?

Cognac comes from the Charente region and is double distilled in the Charentais pot still. Armagnac comes from Gascony and is most often distilled only once, continuously, in the armagnac still. Two methods, two terroirs: with the same age statement, a Gascon VS and a VS cognac do not share the same profile, and that is exactly what makes comparing them worthwhile.

How do I choose a three-star armagnac?

It depends on how you will use it: a classic VS for aperitifs and cooking, a cuvée designed for mixology for cocktails, or a VSOP if you want something rounder already.

Where can I buy it?

Right here: every product page shows the house, the ABV and the bottle size. Add your bottle to the basket and pay securely; we ship across France and Europe.

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

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