the house

Domaine de Laballe

Founded in 1820
Location Parleboscq, Landes
Appellation Bas-Armagnac

The Domaine de Laballe is a winegrowing gem at the crossroads of the Landes and Gers regions. Its roots lie in an exceptional terroir: the Sables Fauves. These soils, rich in iron oxide, offer unrivalled minerality and freshness, bringing out the very best in the wines and armagnacs produced.

Since Jean Dominique Laudet acquired the estate in 1820, the Laudet family has always looked after it. This love story began when Jean Dominique, after spending more than 20 years in the spice trade in the West Indies, decided to make his dream come true: to produce the oldest eau-de-vie in France, Armagnac. At the time, the estate was a major enterprise covering 600 hectares and employing 120 people.

Over the years, Château Laballe's Armagnacs became increasingly renowned, exporting 200 barrels to New York in 1829. This passion for Armagnac has been passed down from generation to generation, with each descendant adding his or her own innovative touch.

Today, Cyril and Julie Laudet, representatives of the 8th generation, perpetuate this tradition. Every step, from vine cultivation to ageing, aims to fully express the typicity of this singular terroir. Cyril, with Julie's invaluable support, has continued to diversify and innovate. Notably with the production of dry white, sweet, rosé and red wines covering three different appellations.

In addition to Armagnac, the estate's emblem and living testimony to the family's passion, Cyril and Julie have introduced a modern touch with the 3-12-21 range. It offers a renewed vision of Armagnac, suitable for cocktail consumption, symbolizing the rebirth of this mythical eau-de-vie with the slogan:"Armagnac is back!"

For nearly two centuries, Domaine de Laballe has exemplified the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity, producing wines and armagnacs that reflect the soul of a terroir and the unwavering commitment of a family.

Grape varieties: Ugni Blanc (predominant), Baco
Distillation: Travelling continuous Armagnac still, the same itinerant apparatus visiting the château since 1923
Ageing: Ageing in Landes oak, cuvées of 3, 12 or 21 years
Awards: Gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris in 2012

The Laballe range in our shop

At Domaine de Laballe, the Laudet family has chosen a short, easy-to-read range built on three ages: 3, 12 and 21 years. Three 50 cl bottles, three characters, designed as much for the tasting glass as for the shaker. Here is how to choose between them in our shop.

Ice 3 years: freshness

The Ice 3 years is the youngest and liveliest of the three. Freshness and fruit dominate: this is the cuvée for cocktails, over ice or in a long drink, far from the digestif clichés. Bottled at 47% vol., it keeps its intensity even when lengthened.

Rich 12 years: balance

The Rich 12 years strikes the right balance between well-integrated oak and candied fruit notes. It is the versatile bottle of the range: round enough to end a meal, expressive enough for a cocktail with character.

Gold 21 years: complexity

The Gold 21 years is the oldest. Its aromatic complexity evokes exotic woods, tobacco and cocoa: a great digestif, to savour slowly. To compare with other old bottlings from Gascony, see our selection of XO and hors d'âge armagnacs.

A wine estate on the Sables Fauves

Domaine de Laballe lies in Parleboscq, in the Landes, on the edge of the Gers, at the heart of Bas-Armagnac and Gascony. Its vineyard grows on the Sables Fauves, sandy soils tinted with iron oxide that produce fine, fresh distillates. The main grape is ugni blanc, sometimes complemented by baco.

"Nothing is subcontracted," the estate points out: it controls the entire chain, from vine to bottle, from distillation to ageing in the cellar. The white wine goes through a travelling continuous still: the same itinerant still has been coming to the château since 1923. Ageing then takes place in Landes oak casks. This expertise was rewarded with a gold medal at the Concours Général Agricole de Paris in 2012, a good benchmark of quality.

A winegrower's estate: wines, Blanche and two vineyards

Laballe is also a winegrower's estate. It produces dry and sweet white wines, rosés and reds, with ranges such as Les Enfants de Laballe, the Parcellaires, from organic farming, and more creative cuvées. The property also makes a Blanche d'Armagnac. The producer also runs Domaine de La Pointe, in Capbreton, also in the Landes, a vineyard with its feet in the sand, a few hundred metres from the ocean. In our online shop, we have chosen to focus on the three bottlings of the 3-12-21 range.

How to choose your Laballe

For a cocktail or an aperitif: the Ice 3 years, fresh and fruity;
For versatile use: the Rich 12 years;
For a great digestif or a gift: the Gold 21 years;
To discover the estate: a tasting of all three, side by side, to see what each year in cask brings to the same origin.

Looking for a vintage instead? Browse our selection of vintage armagnacs, or neighbouring houses in the region, such as Dartigalongue or Château de Laubade.

Tasting, serving and pairings

For tasting, the Ice 3 years is served chilled, over ice or in a cocktail. The Rich 12 years and the Gold 21 years are best enjoyed at room temperature, in a tulip glass: let them breathe for a few minutes, then follow the notes as they evolve, from fruit to spices and cocoa. The Gold pairs beautifully with a square of dark chocolate.

Frequently asked questions about Domaine de Laballe

Where is Domaine de Laballe?

In Parleboscq, in the Landes, on the border of the Gers, within the Bas-Armagnac appellation, in south-west France.

What is Laballe armagnac?

A Bas-Armagnac spirit made mainly from ugni blanc, continuously distilled and aged in Landes oak, offered in three ages: Ice 3 years, Rich 12 years and Gold 21 years.

How can I visit Domaine de Laballe?

The estate welcomes visitors in its shop and offers tours and tastings, some by reservation. Check the estate's official website for opening days: visiting and tasting on site is a lovely way to meet a winegrower from the Landes.

How much does a Laballe cost?

It depends on the age. Each product on this page shows its price.

How can I buy Laballe online?

To buy, choose your bottle from the bottlings available on this page and add it to your basket. Payment is secure and shipping is carefully handled in packaging suited to spirits, with delivery in France and across Europe. On each product page you will also find, where available, verified reviews from our customers.

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

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