Spirits / Armagnac / Ravignan
Château de Ravignan - Bas Armagnac
Perquie, Landes
Castles have graced the property of what is now the Château de Ravignan since the 12th century. The name "Ravignan" itself comes from the deep ravines surrounding the property that once served as a natural defense. The château was later occupied by feudal barons and partially destroyed during the religious wars of the 16th century. In the mid-17th century, a Louis XIII manor was built on the property. Vineyards were planted in 1732. Around the same time, the property was sold to Jean La Croix, who later took the name Ravignan, and from whom current owner Josselin de Ravignan is descended. Today Josselin (with the help of his father and aunt) presides over the estate's 20 hectares of vineyards, located in the Perquie and covered with iron-rich sand (sables fauves) and sand with small pieces of limestone and clay (boulbènes). There they grow Ugni Blanc, Bacco, Colombard and Folle Blanche grapes, which are distilled by the traveling still that arrives at the property each November to distill (at a low temperature) between 15 and 20 barrels of rich Armagnac. video: Oscar Beckmann and Michael Housewright
The Ravignan Chai
The chai stands between the impressive château and a 16th-century church. It has been expanded to house nearly 300 barrels. The area is cool and well-ventilated which helps promote oxidation. 
Ravignan Oak
Wood comes from both trees grown on the property and the Limousin forest. 10-15 new barrels are made each year by master cooper Gilles Bartholomo at his cooperage in Le Frêche. This new oak ensures good color and tannin dosage. Barrels are aerated once a year and monitored frequently. 
Chateau de Ravignan
Characteristics of Ravignan Armagnac
Ravignan garners tremendous respect within the Armagnac region. The distillation at a low degree ensures lots of fruit, new oak gives wonderful structure, and long aging ensures a natural concentration of flavors. A large array of subtle flavors always weave their way in and out of the glass. The Ravignan Armagnacs normally receive top marks in important French magazines like Gault-Millau and Revue des Vins de France. The family also produces Floc de Gascogne, as well as an interesting spirit comprised of raspberries in Armagnac. 
|
Château de Ravignan Bas-Armagnac 1981
Château de Ravignan Bas-Armagnac 1985 (41% ABV) Dark amber with deep golden highlights. Round, creamy notes emits aromas of plum, vanilla, toffee, and spice. Great balance on the soft palate, with additional notes of walnut, pepper and a touch of smoke. The flavors linger on the palate for over a minute. Château de Ravignan Bas-Armagnac 1986 (43% ABV): Dark amber with deep golden highlights. Rich nose shows notes of dried plums, leather, vanilla and spice. Palate is round and soft, with mouth-coating flavors that include cocoa, almonds and oak. Finishes long. Good stuff! Château de Ravignan Bas-Armagnac 1998 Château de Ravignan Bas-Armagnac Folle Blanche 2002 Château de Ravignan Bas-Armagnac 2006 Château de Ravignan Bas-Armagnac 2009 Château de Ravignan Bas-Armagnac Sélection 2010 Château de Ravignan Bas-Armagnac Sélection 2012 Château de Ravignan Floc de Gascogne NV Note: not all of these vintages are currently available 
|
