Château Laballe Bas Armagnac Resistance Baco

Until the late 1970s, Baco remained the prime ingredient in Armagnac and while Ugni Blanc holds that position today, this variety—now exclusive to Armagnac country—has played an important role in the region’s identity; a role that Cyril Laudet wanted to commemorate with Resistance. He also wants to demonstrate to people why this variety is important, by showcasing it on its own. So, made from 100% Baco grapes, in consultation with the trade, this unique bottling took three years to get just right and consists of a blend of three Armagnacs distilled in 2009, 2010 and 2012.

PS) A little explanation on the name and label. A French-American hybrid, Baco was developed at the turn of the twentieth century to produce some of the same flavours as Folle Blanche but without its susceptibility to phylloxera. So, the etching adorning the label illustrates this formidable parasite that devastated French vineyards around this time.

The three eaux de vie spent their first year after distillation in new 410-litre Chêne Noir Gascon barrels from Bartholomo (the last barrel maker in the Landes region) to develop texture and sweetness, and then the rest of their aging in older barrels, bringing more earthy and savoury notes. On the nose, you are immediately struck by the distinctiveness of this grape, with aromas of apple, smoke and citrus giving way to a round, salty expression in the mouth that finishes with a hint of liquorice. It’s a delightfully elegant spirit with an impressive balance of flavour, complexity and elegance as well as good length and the hearty weight you’d expect from a quality Bas Armagnac.