Armagnac Delord: Four Generations of Craftsmanship and Terroir
Founded in 1893 by Prosper Delord, Armagnac Delord has been creating premium Bas-Armagnac for over four generations. Located in the heart of Gascony, the distillery is situated in Lannepax, a region known for its exceptional terroir. The torch has been passed from generation to generation: Jacques and Pierre, then Sylvain and Jérôme, continue to glorify Armagnac Delord worldwide. In 2020, this latest duo honored the family history by taking over Domaine de Galaubas, an ancestral Delord estate, and venturing into organic Armagnac production.
Unique Terroir of Bas-Armagnac
The family vineyards of Delord span 55 hectares, on sandy loam soils and clay-limestone terroirs, benefiting from various exposures. This rich combination of soils is essential for growing the four traditional grape varieties: Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Folle Blanche, and Baco. In the winery, each grape variety is treated with care, from pressing to vinification, under the expert guidance of Sylvain Delord. These varieties contribute to the Armagnac’s balance of fruit, acidity, and aromatic complexity. The sandy soils of Bas-Armagnac are particularly noted for producing smooth, fruit-forward Armagnacs with finesse.
Traditional and Sustainable Distillation
Armagnac Delord is one of the few houses that still uses both continuous distillation and double distillation. The distillery’s French-made Sier alambics, including one from 1900, are crucial to crafting Delord’s signature styles, especially for older vintages.
Delord has also embraced organic farming, ensuring that future generations continue to produce high-quality, environmentally conscious Armagnacs. The estate’s commitment to sustainability reflects the Delord family’s respect for the land and their dedication to preserving its resources.
Aged to Perfection
Delord’s historic cellars house over 1,400 casks, where their Armagnacs age gracefully in oak barrels. The rarest vintages are stored in glass bonbonnes in a room known as “Le Paradis.” Each bottle is hand-sealed with wax and labeled by hand, maintaining the family’s dedication to authenticity and detail. This process ensures that every Armagnac reflects the expertise passed down through the generations.
Signature Armagnacs
Delord produces a wide range of Armagnacs, from young, vibrant VSOPs to rare vintage releases. One of their flagship products, the Trés Vieux Armagnac, is recognized for its balance of fruit, spice, and wood notes, making it a favorite among Armagnac enthusiasts. Their Armagnacs are bottled by hand, with each bottle wax-sealed and labeled by hand, reflecting the Delord family’s attention to detail and authenticity.
A Visit to Delord
Visitors to Maison Delord can tour the estate, learning about the production process while tasting the renowned Armagnacs. The combination of rich terroir, traditional distillation, and sustainable practices makes Delord a top destination for Armagnac lovers.
Maison Delord (Website)
