Domaine d'Aurensan Fantomes

The production of AOC Armagnac allows for the use of ten grape varieties, though in practice only four are used in any measurable quantity – Ugni Blanc, Baco, Folle Blanche, and Colombard. In 2014, Domaine d'Aurensan planted the six forgotten grape varieties on one small piece of land that they call Le Carré des Fantômes – the ghost plot, a reference to the "ghost grape" status of these nearly-extinct varieties.

These "ghost grape" varieties are named Plant de Graisse, Mauzac Blanc, Meslier St François, Jurançon Blanc, Mauzac Rosé, and Clairette de Gascogne. At Domaine d'Aurensan, they have been planted in a traditional method called complantation, an ancient viticultural practice in which all grape varieties are planted together on one plot. This system promotes biodiversity and creates a complex, hardy ecosystem.

In 2018, Domaine d'Aurensan vinified and distilled these six grape varieties for the first time ever. The result is this single plot Armagnac, aged for over three years and bottled unfiltered and at a cask strength of 52% abv with no additives, dilution, or coloring.

Le Carré des Fantômes offers a fresh, inviting nose with notes of fresh orchard fruit, hay, and apple blossoms. The spirit is distillate-driven and aromatic, with a palate that hints at Armagnac Blanche as well as lightly aged rhum agricole – grass, fruit skin, wildflower honey, and quince paste are all present.

This is a historic bottling of Armagnac, offering a glimpse into both the past and the future of the spirit.