Armagnac: The Spirit of Gascony - Tapa dura

Gascony is one of the finest unspoilt areas left in France and its armagnac brandy is different from others, being the product of different soils and climate as well as different methods of distillation. The earliest documented evidence of the distillation of brandies in Gascony dates back to 1411, making armagnac older than cognac by some 200 years. Today, production is centred around six small towns and villages, while a further 50 or so "hidden" domains distil their own, largely for sale direct to private customers and selected restaurants. In spite of developments since the beginning of this century, such as the growth of certain blending and shipping houses and the introduction of "appellations controlees", the Gascons remain resistant to the new "invasion" by cognac houses. Ewald Junge attempts to capture the spirit of the Gascony region of France, describing the history of armagnac and trends in its production and distribution, including information on where to find it in Britain. Travel tips on what to see and where to stay in the region are also supplied.