o   (2) Maison Hérout Tradition Vintage 2019 (750ml) (Platinum Medal, Perfect Score, Cidercraft Magazine 2022)

o   (1) Maison Hérout Tradition Vintage 2020 (750ml)

o   (1) Herout Micro Cuvée No 1 Cider (750ml)

o   (1) Maison Herout Grande Cuvee Extra-Brut vintage 2020 (750ml)

o   (2) Pierre Huet Cidre Bouché (750ml)

o   (1) Kystin Opalyne Brut (750ml) ( Gold Medal, 95 points, Beverage Trade Institute,)

o   (1) Herout Amour Brut (12 oz. bottle)

o   (1) La Chouette Rosé Demi-Sec (12 oz. bottle)

o  (1) Wignac Le Goupil (12 oz. bottle) 

o  (1) Wignac Le Lievre (12 oz. bottle)

Eight 750ML bottles of traditional and AOC cidres (same size as champagne bottles) and four 330ML bottles (12 oz). 

Our trio of Pineau des Charentes is a must-have this holiday season.  One bottle each of white, rosé, and red aperitif/dessert wines. Fresh and lively hints of peach and fresh mango; or cantaloupe and cranberry; or fruitcake and black cherries.  Our trio offers a variety of aromas and flavors to enhance all of your holiday gatherings!  Blended of ¼ part cognac and ¾ barely fermented wine, then aged for 16 months in old oak barrels.  Surprise your guests with a pineau des charentes and champagne cocktail for the festivities.  Or drink neat, over ice or as try it as a base in your own craft cocktails.  Excellent served over red fruit or with chocolates. 17% alc by vol.

Try the Pineau Des Charentes and Champagne Cocktail

Pour into a champagne flute :

1 oz. chilled Pineau Des Charentes

4 oz parts chilled champagne or prosecco

Garnish with a twist of lemon peel

This heady AOC Pays D’Auge Calvados is drawn from one, unique distillation batch from 1997 that was aged in old oak barrels formerly used for Pommeau. 750 ML bottles. In individual gift boxes. 40% alc/vol.

Admire the deep amber robe. Very deep and rich nose with flavors of cherries, leather and baked apples. The mouth is rich well structured and full-bodied.

The oldest Calvados deserve the greatest respect: Choose a liqueur glass such as a tulip glass or small brandy snifter, and pour your Marquis de Saint-Loup Calvados with care.  Warm it tenderly in the hollow of your hand.  Run the amber liquid slowly round the glass (held by the base) and admire its color and the patterns it traces on the sides of the glass. Calvados needs to breathe to develop its full qualities.  Wait for at least two minutes before bringing the glass up to your nose, finding the distance at which you can distinguish and absorb the subtle aromas. Then, take a few drops in your mouth before swallowing.  Now you are ready to truly savor your Calvados, sip by sip.  Take your time, and you will note a surprising development in flavor and taste. If you do not indulge too freely, your Calvados will leave a delicate fragrance on your palate.

TASTING NOTES: Minutely hazy old gold color. Aromas and flavors of honey roasted apples, and nuts, dried pear, and strawberry jam, with a supple, bright, finely carbonated fruity medium to full body. A delightfully deep and flavorful French cider for all occasions.

RECENT AWARDS: Gold Medal, 95 points Beverage Testing Institute

Producer—Sasha Crommar
Sasha Crommar, founder of Kystin Cidres, launched the Kystin brand and cidery five years ago in Brittany, France. He just recently opened his boutique cider store in Vannes, Brittany. His goal is to create an innovative brand. He draws on his AOC expertise, Normandy apples and his ties to Brittany to guide his cider making. He currently has 5 hectares (12 acres) planted in orchards in Normandy. A human-sized enterprise and simplicity are important to him. Sasha is striving to create surprising yet subtle flavors - ones that you are happy to drink with your everyday meals and holiday meals. He encourages consumers to think of cider as a refreshing beverage that can go with anything – seafood, chicken, veal – not just crepes!

This traditional Brut Cidre is produced in Brittany, France, from apples grown in the Pays D'Auge area of Calvados. Primarily doux (sweet) and doux-amers (bitter sweet) apples are used in its production giving this beautiful, golden cider a range of complexity that is easy to enjoy. Great for first time drinkers of French cider. 

Aromas and flavors of honey roasted apples and nuts, dried pear, strawberry jam, pineapple shrub and a hint of baking spices.  (Beverage Trade Institute, Gold Medal, 95 points). A hint of apricot and caramel as well. Serve chilled in white wine glasses or stemmed cider glasses. The 330ml (12 oz.) bottle is just right for one or two people. Produced by Sasha Crommar, this cider is a wonderful example of the artisanal approach that Sasha brings to each of his ciders. Subtle yet commanding, it fulfills all your expectations for a classic Brittany Brut cider.

ate an innovative brand. He draws on his AOC expertise, Normandy apples and his ties to Brittany to guide his cider making. He currently has 5 hectares (12 acres) planted in orchards in Normandy. A human-sized enterprise and simplicity are important to him. Sasha is striving to create surprising yet subtle flavors - ones that you are happy to drink with your everyday meals and holiday meals. He encourages consumers to think of cider as a refreshing beverage that can go with anything – seafood, chicken, veal – not just crepes!

This traditional Brut Cidre is produced in Brittany, France, from apples grown in the Pays D'Auge area of Calvados. Primarily doux (sweet) and doux-amers (bittersweet) apples are used in its production giving this beautiful, golden cider a range of complexity that is easy to enjoy. Great for first-time drinkers of French cider. 

Aromas and flavors of honey roasted apples and nuts, dried pear, strawberry jam, pineapple shrub, and a hint of baking spices.  (Beverage Trade Institute, Gold Medal, 95 points). A hint of apricot and caramel as well. 

Serve chilled in white wine glasses or stemmed cider glasses. The 750ml(12 oz.) bottle is just right for a group of friends.

Produced by Sasha Crommar, this cider is a wonderful example of the artisanal approach that Sasha brings to each of his ciders. Subtle yet commanding, it fulfills all your expectations for a classic Brittany Brut cider.

TASTING NOTES: Minutely hazy old gold color. Aromas and flavors of honey roasted apples, and nuts, dried pear, and strawberry jam, with a supple, bright, finely carbonated fruity medium to full body. A delightfully deep and flavorful French cider for all occasions.

RECENT AWARDS: Gold Medal, 95 points Beverage Testing Institute

Producer—Sasha Crommar
Sasha Crommar, founder of Kystin Cidres, launched the Kystin brand and cidery five years ago in Brittany, France. He just recently opened his boutique cider store in Vannes, Brittany. His goal is to create an innovative brand. He draws on his AOC expertise, Normandy apples and his ties to Brittany to guide his cider making. He currently has 5 hectares (12 acres) planted in orchards in Normandy. A human-sized enterprise and simplicity are important to him. Sasha is striving to create surprising yet subtle flavors - ones that you are happy to drink with your everyday meals and holiday meals. He encourages consumers to think of cider as a refreshing beverage that can go with anything – seafood, chicken, veal – not just crepes!

This traditional Brut Cidre is produced in Brittany, France, from apples grown in the Pays D'Auge area of Calvados. Primarily doux (sweet) and doux-amers (bitter sweet) apples are used in its production giving this beautiful, golden cider a range of complexity that is easy to enjoy. Great for first time drinkers of French cider. 

Aromas and flavors of honey roasted apples and nuts, dried pear, strawberry jam, pineapple shrub and a hint of baking spices.  (Beverage Trade Institute, Gold Medal, 95 points). A hint of apricot and caramel as well. Serve chilled in white wine glasses or stemmed cider glasses. The 330ml (12 oz.) bottle is just right for one or two people. Produced by Sasha Crommar, this cider is a wonderful example of the artisanal approach that Sasha brings to each of his ciders. Subtle yet commanding, it fulfills all your expectations for a classic Brittany Brut cider.

Gold Medal, Cidercraft Awards 2021, Dessert Cider Category

Platinum Medal, 97 points, Beverage Tasting Institute, 2019

Kystin Secrèt Ice Cider is one of the most intriguing ciders coming out of France right now.  Many of our customers have told us they've never tasted anything like it.
A garnet amber color warms up your senses before you experience the heavenly flavors of baked apple, dried cherry, dried mango and a fleeting hint of ripe banana. The perfectly balanced acid on the finish provides an unexpected grand finale.  

Kystin Secrèt Ice Cider is produced by letting apples freeze on the tree in orchards in Sweden.  The frozen apples are then picked and transported whole to Brittany where Sasha Crommar presses the apples, then ferments and filters the pressed apple juice, transforming into this magical elixir.   
Presented in a beautiful 750ml bottle with Celtic runes on the label. The bottle alone is worthy of a place in your home bar.  

750ml, 10% alc/vol.  

Note: Why use apples from Sweden?  Because the orchards in Normandy and Brittany don't freeze often or long enough to produce the kind of frozen apple Sasha is seeking. 

Maison Herout AOC Cotentin Cuvée Tradition Brut Cider 2019 was awarded CiderCraft Magazine's Platinum award for the Natural Cider Category 2021.  AND it achieved a perfect score from every judge - the first time any cider has ever received a perfect score in the history of the CiderCraft Contest!

An organic cider produced on the Cotentin peninsula in Normandy by woman cider maker - Marie-Agnes Herout.
Each year, the Maison Herout estate creates a series of vintage ciders that represent a specific year's harvest.  This release is from the 2019 harvest.
Like wine, the flavors of these vintage ciders change each year depending on how the weather has affected the apple production.  Apparently 2019 was a very good year for cidrer production!

Bright gold color. Aromas of fallen golden apple, fallen lemon, and earth with a lightly tannic, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a compelling, brisk dried peach, hay, and parchment finish.

A table-ready French Cider for cheese pairings with lots of earthy nuance - like Comte and Blue Cheese. Pair with charcuterie and baked ham too.

The Maison Herout AOC Cotentin Cuvée Tradition Brut Cider 2019 is an organic French cider produced in the Cotentin Peninsula in Normandy.

An organic cider produced on the Cotentin peninsula in Normandy by woman cider maker - Marie-Agnes Herout. Maison Herout AOC Cotentin Cuvée Tradition Brut Cider is the latest vintage that has been released by the Maison Herout Estate.  Each year, the estate creates a series of vintage ciders that represent a specific year's harvest.  This latest release is from the 2020 harvest.
Like wine, the flavors of these vintage ciders change each year depending on how the weather has affected the apple production.

Full bodied and spicy, the Cuvée Tradition Brut 2020 distinguishes itself by its orange gold color and very fine bubbles.  Subtle aromas reminiscent of butter and dried herbs. On the mouth, a level of acidity that assures balance while allowing a refreshing sharpness to come through

Recent Awards

Sixth Annual Cidercraft Awards 2023 - Silver

An organic cider produced on the Cotentin peninsula in Normandy by woman cider maker - Marie-Agnes Herout.

Golden yellow color. Aromas and flavors of pickled apples, grassy herbs and creamy cheese. Very dry and crisp, displaying a nice level of acidity and even a hint of salinity, like a cool sea breeze. Lovely balance and flavor integration.

A table-ready French Cider traditionally paired with fresh oysters and mignonette sauce, charcuterie, creamy soft cheeses, duck and baked ham.

Recent Awards

Sixth Annual Cidercraft Awards 2023 - Silver

An organic cider produced on the Cotentin peninsula in Normandy by woman cider maker - Marie-Agnes Herout.

Golden yellow color. Aromas and flavors of pickled apples, grassy herbs and creamy cheese. Very dry and crisp, displaying a nice level of acidity and even a hint of salinity, like a cool sea breeze. Lovely balance and flavor integration.

A table-ready French Cider traditionally paired with fresh oysters and mignonette sauce, charcuterie, creamy soft cheeses, duck and baked ham.

The 2020 Vintage Micro-Cuvée No. 1 is a still, organic cider distinguished by its golden orange color.  It is fermented for at least 3 months in oak barrels that previously aged Calvados AOC.  This aging process reinforces the level of alcohol and tannins in the finished cider.  A very fine, fruity taste.  5.5% alc/vol. 
Maison Hérout follows the cider-making tradition of their ancestors – their ciders are all organic and fermented naturally with indigenous yeast.  The bubbles are the result of a natural effervescence and occur in the bottle.  Maison Hérout ciders are not pasteurized or carbonated.  Gluten – Free and vegan.
The Orchards
Maison Herout has 25 acres of apple orchards. The average age of the apple trees varies according to the parcels (10 to 65 years old). More than 25 varieties of apples are grown including Rouge de Cantepie, one of the original apples grown in the orchards.  The soil is maintained by being completely covered with grass.
The Terroir
The orchards are situated on the Armorican Massive which is composed of schist and sandstone sediment as well as granite from the primary eras.  With a silty coating, the soils are slightly sandy and pebbly sandy and drain very quickly.
The Production
After grating the apples to obtain the “marc de pommes”, the grated apples are then crushed into a pulp, then pressed.  The resulting pressed juice rests for 3 to 5 days to become naturally clear. This clear juice is then fermented for at least 3 months in barrels that previously held Calvados AOC.  After bottling, the cider then continues fermenting for at least another 2 months so that the natural bubbles can form – leading to a rich, thick robe of foamy bubbles that are the hallmark of Maison Hérout.

The Micro-Cuvée n°3 is a unique cider distinguished by its internal complexity and notes of fresh pears. 100% organic.
This cuvée ferments for 6 months in oak barrels that previously aged chardonnay and pinot noir wines.  The barrel-fermented ciders are blended and then bottled. After the natural bubbles form, the bottles are aged 20 months on lattes before being disgorged.  
This lovely organic cider is a pale golden robe and totally clear.  A fine nose with lightly wooded notes and aromas of pears. On the palate, this cider has very fine bubbles with a balanced freshness, reinforced by tannins imparted from the wine barrels during the aging process and a bit of acidity on the finish. A dry cider with an impressive structure.  Fit for the finest of restaurants. 5.5% alc/vol.
Maison Hérout follows the cider-making tradition of their ancestors – their ciders are all organic, and fermented naturally with indigenous yeast.  The bubbles are the result of a natural effervescence and occur in the bottle.  Maison Hérout ciders are not pasteurized or carbonated.  Gluten – Free and vegan.
The Orchards
Maison Herout has 25 acres of apple orchards. The average age of the apple trees varies according to the parcels (10 to 65 years old). More than 25 varieties of apples are grown including Rouge de Cantepie, one of the original apples grown in the orchards.  The soil is maintained by being completely covered with grass.
The Terroir
The orchards are situated on the Armorican Massive which is composed of schist and sandstone sediment as well as granite from the primary eras.  With a silty coating, the soils are slightly sandy and pebbly sandy and drain very quickly.
The Production
After grating the apples to obtain the “marc de pommes”, the grated apples are then crushed into a pulp, then pressed.  The resulting pressed juice rests for 3 to 5 days to become naturally clear. This clear juice is then fermented in large cuvées for 4 to 7 months.  After bottling, the cider then continues fermenting for at least another 2 months so that the natural bubbles can form – leading to a rich, thick robe of foamy bubbles that are the hallmark of Maison Hérout. Their ciders are clarified through a traditional method where bottles are capped and tipped on their side so that the yeasts can fall to the tip of the bottle where they are removed through disgorgement.  The resulting cider is completely clear, refined, and stable.

The 2021 Vintage Micro-Cuvée No. 5 is a sparkling, organic cider distinguished by its light golden color.  It is fermented for at least 4 months in a cuve before being bottled. The fermentation continues after bottling for several more months.  This special Micro-Cuvée is composed of 50% Réné-Martin apples   (a tart/acidic variety typically used in Maison Herout’s organic apple juice). The remaining 50% is a blend of bitter and bitter-sweet apples that are typical to the Cotentin peninsula, where Maison Herout is located. Less than 3grams of residual sugar.

Tart, extra-dry, tannic with fine effervescence.  Drinks like a Basque or Spanish cider but not quite as dry. The unusual proportions of tart, bitter and bitter-sweet apples give this cider a freshness with subtle aromas of fresh apples.

Maison Hérout follows the cider-making tradition of their ancestors – their ciders are all organic and fermented naturally with indigenous yeast.  The bubbles are the result of a natural effervescence with fermentation continuing to occur in the bottle.  Maison Hérout ciders are not pasteurized or carbonated.  Gluten – Free and vegan.

The Orchards
Maison Herout has 25 acres of apple orchards. The average age of the apple trees varies according to the parcels (10 to 65 years old). More than 25 varieties of apples are grown including Rouge de Cantepie, one of the original apples grown in the orchards.  The soil is maintained by being completely covered with grass.

The Terroir
The orchards are situated on the Armorican Massive which is composed of schist and sandstone sediment as well as granite from the primary eras.  With a silty coating, the soils are slightly sandy and pebbly sandy and drain very quickly.

The Production
After grating the apples to obtain the “marc de pommes”, the grated apples are then crushed into a pulp, then pressed.  The resulting pressed juice rests for 3 to 5 days to become naturally clear. This clear juice is then fermented for at least 4 months in After bottling, the cider then continues fermenting for at least another 2 months so that the natural bubbles can form – leading to a rich, thick robe of foamy bubbles that are the hallmark of Maison Hérout.

Produced in Northern France near the Belgium border, Wignac Ciders are 100% organic ciders made from table apples, cider apples and juice from wine grapes from Burgundy! The ciders have no added sugar, no added sulfites, and are naturally gluten-free.

The Wignac estate was established in 2016, when Edouard and Eliane de Merode, a brother and sister, started producing Wignac cider in the Ardennes. Many Americans remember the Ardennes as the region where major battles of WWI and WWII took place.  Edouard and Eliane want to show that the Ardennes can also be known for something beautiful too - its cider.
Located near the famous terroir of the Champagne region, Edouard and Eliane seek to reinvent and rejuvenate the image of cider and the region while maintaining the traditional making of cider on the Wignac estate. Both Edouard and Eliane grew up in the countryside surrounded by the nature, so was only natural to have their estate certified organic. And before their orchards were planted, the estate already boasted organic Angus cows.

Wignac was the name of Edouard and Eliane’s great-great grandmother, la Marquise de Wignac, from whom Edouard and Eliane inherited the Domaine du Château de Guignicourt sur Vence (Ardennes – France) The château was built in 1710 by the Wignacourt family and it has been in the family ever since – despite being seized during the French Revolution.  It was eventually given back to the family by Napolean I in the early 1800’s!

Wignac ciders are unique and unlike traditional French ciders. ‘Le Lièvre” is a mix of cider apples and table apples. “Le Goupil” is a rosé cider made of cider and table apples to which juice from wine grapes from Burgundy has been added. 

Le Lievre offers aromas and flavors of a fresh apple, picked directly from the tree. Le Goupil offers delicate aromas and flavors of apples, with a hint of sweetness from the juice from wine grapes.

Packing: 12 bottles of 330 ml

Produced in Northern France near the Belgium border, Wignac Ciders are 100% organic ciders made from table apples, cider apples and juice from wine grapes from Burgundy! The ciders have no added sugar, no added sulfites, and are naturally gluten-free.

The Wignac estate was established in 2016, when Edouard and Eliane de Merode, a brother and sister, started producing Wignac cider in the Ardennes. Many Americans remember the Ardennes as the region where major battles of WWI and WWII took place.  Edouard and Eliane want to show that the Ardennes can also be known for something beautiful too - its cider.
Located near the famous terroir of the Champagne region, Edouard and Eliane seek to reinvent and rejuvenate the image of cider and the region while maintaining the traditional making of cider on the Wignac estate. Both Edouard and Eliane grew up in the countryside surrounded by the nature, so was only natural to have their estate certified organic. And before their orchards were planted, the estate already boasted organic Angus cows.

Wignac was the name of Edouard and Eliane’s great-great grandmother, la Marquise de Wignac, from whom Edouard and Eliane inherited the Domaine du Château de Guignicourt sur Vence (Ardennes – France) The château was built in 1710 by the Wignacourt family and it has been in the family ever since – despite being seized during the French Revolution.  It was eventually given back to the family by Napolean I in the early 1800’s!

Wignac ciders are unique and unlike traditional French ciders. ‘Le Lièvre” is a mix of cider apples and table apples. “Le Goupil” is a rosé cider made of cider and table apples to which juice from wine grapes from Burgundy has been added. 

Le Lievre offers aromas and flavors of a fresh apple, picked directly from the tree. Le Goupil offers delicate aromas and flavors of apples, with a hint of sweetness from the juice from wine grapes.

Packing: 12 bottles of 330 ml

Produced in Northern France near the Belgium border, Wignac Ciders are 100% organic ciders made from table apples, cider apples and juice from wine grapes from Burgundy! The ciders have no added sugar, no added sulfites, and are naturally gluten-free.

The Wignac estate was established in 2016, when Edouard and Eliane de Merode, a brother and sister, started producing Wignac cider in the Ardennes. Many Americans remember the Ardennes as the region where major battles of WWI and WWII took place.  Edouard and Eliane want to show that the Ardennes can also be known for something beautiful too - its cider.
Located near the famous terroir of the Champagne region, Edouard and Eliane seek to reinvent and rejuvenate the image of cider and the region while maintaining the traditional making of cider on the Wignac estate. Both Edouard and Eliane grew up in the countryside surrounded by the nature, so was only natural to have their estate certified organic. And before their orchards were planted, the estate already boasted organic Angus cows.

Wignac was the name of Edouard and Eliane’s great-great grandmother, la Marquise de Wignac, from whom Edouard and Eliane inherited the Domaine du Château de Guignicourt sur Vence (Ardennes – France) The château was built in 1710 by the Wignacourt family and it has been in the family ever since – despite being seized during the French Revolution.  It was eventually given back to the family by Napolean I in the early 1800’s!

Wignac ciders are unique and unlike traditional French ciders. ‘Le Lièvre” is a mix of cider apples and table apples. “Le Goupil” is a rosé cider made of cider and table apples to which juice from wine grapes from Burgundy has been added. 

Le Lievre offers aromas and flavors of a fresh apple, picked directly from the tree. Le Goupil offers delicate aromas and flavors of apples, with a hint of sweetness from the juice from wine grapes.

Packing: 12 bottles of 330 ml (6 bottles of Le Lievre + 6 bottles of Le Goupil)

RECENT AWARDS: USA Spirits Ratings 2022 - Silver 86 points

The name Labiette Castille comes from two specific localities belonging to the village of Sorbets (Gers, France) that are called: “Labiette” on the western part of the vineyards, and “Castille”, to the east. Our logotype represents a Knight of the King, paying tribute to the most famous musketeer D’Artagnan.

Our house was founded in the late 19th century by a native family of Sorbets and is owned by the Lesgourgues family since the mid-1970’s.

Grapes
The house uses the main grape varieties coming from the vineyard located in the Bas Armagnac. Predominantly Baco 22A and Ugni Blanc, and secondary Colombard and Folle Blanche.

Wines
The white wines obtained offers good acidity and low alcohol content that are suitable for traditional distillation.

Distilling
The wines are distilled in a continuous “Armagnacais” column still: this is the perfect way for distilling our wines in Armagnac, hence capturing most of the flavors contained in the wines. Each grape varietal is distilled separately, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the autumn season until Christmas time.

The freshly “brandy” comes out from the column still at around 60% alcohol.

Aging
The “brandies” are then stored in French oak barrels (430L each).
The Labiette Castille Armagnacs age in 100% local Gascony oak. These casks will fit best our Armagnacs, giving them time to grow and to capture the genuine flavors and tannins from the oak. Annually, the cask will lose about 3% of evaporation. This qualitative phenomenon is known as “Angel’s share” (la Part des Anges in French).

Blending
Our cellar master, with the members of the Lesgourgues family, oversees the blending (“assemblage”) choosing the different eaux-de-vie that will be making the future Armagnac.
This blending mission is critical in the house’s capacity to create the most exquisite yet singular Armagnacs.

Bottling
All of our Armagnacs are progressively reduced in alcohol, and most of them are bottled at 40% alc after a non-chilled filtration.

Labiette Castille Bas Armagnac VSOP

This Armagnac is produced in the most coveted region of Bas Armagnac. The aromas display a superb balance between vanilla, dried fruit, and oak. Savor the luscious flavors of oakiness, spice and candied prune.  The Labiette Castille Bas Armagnac VSOP is a cellar master blend of 15 premium brandies; each brandy in the blend is aged from 6 to 10 years in Gascony oak casks

Serve as an aperitif before a meal - neat on ice or slightly chilled. Also, use in premium craft cocktails. 

Produced on the famed estate of Chateau de Laubade, the largest and most-awarded family Armagnac estate in France, this Armagnac is fully traceable from vineyard to bottle.  All four varieties of grapes used in its production - Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Baco and Colombard - are grown, vinified, aged, and blended on the 260-acre estate under the watchful eyes of the Lesgourgues family who have owned the estate since 1974.

Produced in the most coveted region of Bas Armagnac, the Labiette Castille Bas Armagnac 1988 vintage is made by blending brandies made from grapes harvested, vinified, and distilled in 1988 only.  This 1988 vintage has the aromas of salted caramel and candied walnuts.  Serve as a digestive - savor as an after-dinner drink with special guests.  

The name Labiette Castille comes from two specific localities belonging to the village of Sorbets (Gers, France) that are called: “Labiette” on the western part of the vineyards, and “Castille”, to the east. Our logotype represents a Knight of the King, paying tribute to the most famous musketeer D’Artagnan.

Our house was founded in the late 19th century by a native family of Sorbets and is owned by the Lesgourgues family since the mid-1970’s.

Grapes
The house uses the main grape varieties coming from the vineyard located in the Bas Armagnac. Predominantly Baco 22A and Ugni Blanc, and secondary Colombard and Folle Blanche.

Wines
The white wines obtained offers good acidity and low alcohol content that are suitable for traditional distillation.

Distilling
The wines are distilled in a continuous “Armagnacais” column still: this is the perfect way for distilling our wines in Armagnac, hence capturing most of the flavors contained in the wines. Each grape varietal is distilled separately, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the autumn season until Christmas time.

The freshly “brandy” comes out from the column still at around 60% alcohol.

Aging
The “brandies” are then stored in French oak barrels (430L each).
The Labiette Castille Armagnacs age in 100% local Gascony oak. These casks will fit best our Armagnacs, giving them time to grow and to capture the genuine flavors and tannins from the oak. Annually, the cask will lose about 3% of evaporation. This qualitative phenomenon is known as “Angel’s share” (la Part des Anges in French).

Blending
Our cellar master, with the members of the Lesgourgues family, oversees the blending (“assemblage”) choosing the different eaux-de-vie that will be making the future Armagnac.
This blending mission is critical in the house’s capacity to create the most exquisite yet singular Armagnacs.

Bottling
All of our Armagnacs are progressively reduced in alcohol, and most of them are bottled at 40% alc after a non-chilled filtration.