S P E C I A L F E AT U R E
Celebrating La Flamme de We asked Amanda Garnham, Educator for Armagnac at the BNIA (Bureau National Interprofessionnel de l’Armagnac) to explain this ancient Gascony tradition.
S
ymbolic throughout the world, the burning flame evokes thoughts of life, passion and light and is often lit to mark special occasions. The flame, in this instance, celebrates the end of the vendange (grape harvest), and the beginning of distillation – the distillation of Armagnac, France’s oldest ‘eau-de-vie’ (water of life). The annual lighting of ‘La Flamme de L’Armagnac’ is a moment in our very modern times when we can relive the romance and passion that lived in the hearts of men many years ago. During the ceremony, visitors are welcomed to Armagnac cellars, and bands play their familiar anthems whilst the alambic (the still) is ignited. Guests are then invited to taste their first sample of the years’ eau-de-vie, warming the soul with memories of hot summer sun and whispers of lime trees in blossom.
THE REGION Amanda Garnham
The clear white Armagnac eaude-vie as it flows from the alambic
50
Gascony is the home of Armagnac and incorporates Gers, Landes and Lot et Garonne. From here it divides again into three soil types, each cultivating an Armagnac with a different character. • The Bas-Armagnac region, with its capital Eauze, covers parts of Landes and Gers and represents 57% of production. Its sandy soil creates an eau-de-vie that is fruity, light, delicate and well reputed. • Armagnac-Ténarèze is centred around the town of Condom, covering North West Gers and South Lot et Garonne. This area represents 40% of distillation and its clay/chalk soil gives a full-flavoured, rich eau-de-vie. • Haut-Armagnac, grown on predominantly calcareous soil in East Gers and part of Lot et Garonne was developed in the 19th-century during a period of great demand, but is now really quite negligible.
www.thelocalbuzzmag.com
