TASTING NOTES: Orange jam on the nose with flavors of vanilla. A dry lingering finish backed with baked apples with a creamy texture.

RECENT AWARDS: Silver Medal, 87 points, Bartender Spirits Awards 2021

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 VS

Produced in the most coveted region of Bas Armagnac, the Labiette Castille Bas Armagnac VS is a blend of 15 different brandies, each from 3 to 5 years old.  This Armagnac VS is soft and round, with aromas of orange blossom, hyacinth, pear, and honey!  Perfect for outstanding craft cocktails. Also, serve as an aperitif with tonic and a slice of lime - or neat on ice or slightly chilled.  

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.

Recent Awards: Gold Medal, 97 points, Best of Show, Best White Wine in Fortified wine category, and best French winery USA Wine Ratings 2022

Made from predominantly Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche and Colombard grape varieties, this Pineau Des Charentes Blanc AOC from Jules Gautret is clean, well-balanced, fruity, and light.  
On the nose, you'll experience peach, honey, and faint lime blossom. And on the palate, a delicate flavor of honey, pear, spiced apricot, orange peel, and fresh mango which gives it just a slight touch of zest. An attractively light, smooth, and subtly spicy Pineau des Charentes with a sweet lift on the finish.

Serve chilled from the refrigerator. Very handy as a base for summer cocktails. Also excellent with red fruits (strawberries, berries), pastries, and chocolate.
An aperitif wine, 17% alc/vol.

Once opened, Pineau Des Charentes can keep for up to at least 6 months if refrigerated.

Recent Awards: Gold Medal, 93 points, USA Wine Ratings 2022

Made from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grape varieties, this Pineau Des Charentes Rouge AOC is a clear, pale salmon color.  Surprising flavors of sultana, butterscotch, and fruitcake. Fresh and fruity with flavors of ripe cantaloupe, golden raisin, orange salmonberry, dried cranberry, and dried candied orange slices.

Serve chilled from the refrigerator.  Very handy as a base for summer cocktails. Also excellent with red fruits (strawberries, berries), pastries, and chocolate. An aperitif wine, 17% alc/vol.

Once opened, Pineau Des Charentes can keep for up to at least 6 months if refrigerated.

TASTING NOTES

Pale salmon color. Flavors of sultana, butterscotch, and fruitcake. Fresh and fruity with flavors of ripe cantaloupe, golden raisin, orange salmon, dried cranberry, and dried candied orange slices and a short finish.

Recent Awards: Gold Medal, 93 points, USA Wine Ratings 2022

Made from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grape varieties, this Pineau Des Charentes Rouge AOC from Jules Gautret is a beautiful, deep ruby hue. Aromas of baked pastries, like raspberry and plum tart. Flavors of rich baked red apple, black cherries and plum along with vanilla and cinnamon on the palate. Flavors of sultana, fruitcake, light butterscotch, honey, caramel, and toffee. Complex and fruity with an aromatic finish.

Serve chilled from the refrigerator.  Very handy as a base for summer cocktails. Excellent served with pastries and anything chocolate!
An aperitif wine, 17% alc/vol.

Once opened, Pineau Des Charentes can keep for up to at least 6 months if refrigerated.

TASTING NOTES:  Silky and smooth with nuances of honeysuckle and jasmine. Sweet baking spices with caramel and vanilla on the palate. 

RECENT AWARDS: Gold Medal, 90 points, 2021 Bartender Spirits Awards

This fine Cognac is produced in the Jonzac region of France from Ugni Blanc grapes grown in the Petite Champagne, Fins Bois and Bons Bois terroirs.  

This cognac is mellow and perfectly balanced.  A brilliant shimmering hue of amber.  Floral and fruity notes along with a light perfume of toastiness on the nose.  On the palate, this cognac offers a harmonious blend that is well-rounded thanks to the Bons Bois varieties.

"Silky and smooth with nuances of honeysuckle and jasmine. Sweet baking spices with caramel and vanilla on the palate.

Double-distilled in a traditional swan neck still and aged for a minimum of three years in oak casks from the Limousin and Troncais forests.

Enjoy before meals in a tulip-shaped glass or as a long drink or in a cocktail.

TASTING NOTES: Lovely amber color. Aromas of oloroso sherry and amaretto on the nose with notes of vanilla and caramel on the palate. Good balance of spice and fruit. Classic baking spice notes from the oak. A hint of bergamot on the palate near the finish - similar to Earl Grey tea. Sweet on the finish.

RECENT AWARDS: Gold Medal, 91 points, USA Spirits Ratings 2022

This fine Cognac is produced in the Jonzac region of France from Ugni Blanc grapes grown in the Petite Champagne and Fins Bois terroirs.  

This cognac is beautifully balanced with a harmonious blend of varieties.  Yellow fruit aroma with a slight touch of honey and wildflowers.  Light and round in the mouth thanks to the careful blend of Petite Champagne and Fins Bois varieties.

Double-distilled in a traditional swan neck still and aged for a minimum of five to seven years in oak casks from the Limousin and Troncais forests.

Enjoy before or after meals in a tulip-shaped glass or as a long drink or in a cocktail.

This fine Cognac is produced in the Jonzac region of France from grapes grown in the Grand Champagne and Petite Champagne terroirs. Intensely deep amber with shimmering hues of gold.  A subtle bouquet of dried fruit and oakiness, along with a touch of vanilla. Exceptionally expressive and lingering.  A wonderful balance between delicacy and full bodied-ness, with added complexity of notes of fruit and wood. This 25-year-old cognac is presented in a luxurious, cut crystal decanter with delicate ornamentation. It is exceptionally harmonious and elegant, a true reflection of the superior aging conditions of the eau-de-vies used for this sophisticated blend. Double-distilled in a traditional swan neck still and aged for a minimum of TWENTY FIVE YEARS in oak casks from the Limousin and Troncais forests.

To be savored slowly and patiently after a meal. This Cognac should be reserved for a special circle of friends and family with whom you wish to share treasured memories.

RECENT AWARDS 

Silver Medal, Bartender Spirits Awards, 2021

Silver Medal, Cambremer 2018 (France)

Best of Category and double gold Medal, ADI’s 2018 Judging of Craft spirits (USA)

Silver Medal, Prodexpo Moscou 2018 (Russia)

Bronze Medal, Vimoutiers 2017 (France)

93/100 Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2016 (USA)

Silver Medal, All Wines Asia 2016 (Hong Kong)

This Marquis de Saint-Loup Calvados AOC VS is produced, bottled, and aged in a 17th century estate near the village of Saint Pierre in Normandy, France.

This two-year-old Calvados AOC VS can be enjoyed young. It is a very fruity and elegant spirit, tasting of freshly picked apples and a strong eau-de-vie taste.  A perfect introduction for first-time drinkers of Calvados. Refreshing as an aperitif over ice, or served with tonic and a wheel of lime, in craft cocktails, and for culinary preparations.

"Nuances of dried figs and apricot. Simple orchard fruits on the palate lead into more spice notes near the finish." Silver Medal, Bartender Spirits Awards, 2021

RECENT AWARDS: USA spirits RATINGS 2022: Silver Medal, 88 points

TASTING NOTES: Lovely pale straw color in the glass, hot notes of apple and pear on the nose, with notes of apricots, white flower, and cider on the palate. Bright, clean crisp with a lingering finish

This Marquis de Saint-Loup Calvados AOC Pays d’Auge Vieille Réserve is produced in the heart of the Pays d’Auge appellation, on a 17th century estate near the village of Saint Pierre.

Subtle aroma of sweet cidre, baked apples, gingerbread, vanilla, and hints of cinnamon with a finish of almond, bee’s wax, and honey.

The Vieille Réserve is made up of several of AOC Pays D'Auge Calvados, all of which have been aged in former wine casks for at least four years. This calvados is the perfect blend of complexity and flavor with a surprising aroma of floral and fruitiness brought out by the double distillation. Serve in a small brandy glass before a meal or after a meal as a digestif.

Recent Awards

Sixth Annual Cidercraft Awards 2023 - Double Gold

Produced in the Cotentin Peninsula of Normandy France using artisanal techniques perfected by woman cider-maker Marie-Agnes Herout of Maison Hérout, this authentic Normandy cider offers fresh, crisp, and round notes. It's dry - but not too dry. Organic, with the second fermentation occurring in the bottle.  Packaged with love.

It's like biting into a cold, crispy apple followed by hints of orange citrus, forest floor, bitter coffee bean. Slight lavender and apricot on the finish. Full bodied with layered complexity that dances across your palate.

TASTING NOTES: Bright deep rose color. Sweet, savory aromas and flavors of dried cranberry, red current, rhubarb, figs, sweet heirloom tomato, pimento, and applesauce with a round, vibrant, fizzy, sweet medium body. A concentrated rosé cider packed with flavorful sweetness.

RECENT AWARDS: Gold Medal, 90 points, Exceptional, Tasting.com 2018 World Championship

Producer—Pierre-Henri Agnes

La Chouette—which means “the Owl” in French—refers to the surprising bond between this elusive night bird and French cider. Traditionally, many farmers in northwest of France made their own cider with apples from their orchards. Often, the farmers made their cider in barns, where the owls could be seen watching over the production from their perches under the roof. Thus La Chouette has always looked after French cider and continues to look over our cider today.

Located near the stunning Mont Saint-Michel World Heritage site, La Chouette is produced in the cradle of France’s cider-making region. Cider-making has been a part of Pierre-Henri Agnes’ family tradition for three generations. Like Norman farmers of their time, both of Pierre-Henri’s grandfathers crafted traditional farmhouse cider (“cidre bouché”) with cider apples from their orchards or by buying cider apples and using the services of a mobile cider press and mobile Calvados still (a very popular approach in the 1940s to 1970s). When Pierre-Henri and his friend Alex decided to launch their cider company, Pierre-Henri remembered the story of an owl that would fly over his grandfather’s farm and dwell under the roof in the main building where his grandfather would store the fermenting apple juice. 

Process

La Chouette is insistent on finding the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness by combining both sweet and bittersweet apples, in the purist tradition of French cider-making. La Chouette only uses dedicated cider apples (never table or eating apples), always uses 100% pure apple juice (not reconstituted apple juice), and has no added sugar, water, coloring, or flavoring. Using these traditional, authentic, French cider-making methods gives La Chouette a pristine apple taste.

Recent Awards

Sixth Annual Cidercraft Awards 2023 - Platinum

A dry cider with surprising complexity and notes of green apple skin and ripe apples.  A hint of citrus tanginess on the finish. Full bodied with loads of personality. Keep several chilled for when guests arrive. It's a favorite!
Pair it with just about anything - hearty meals, vegetarian meals, seafood, cheese, charcuterie.
This classic Cidre Bouché Brut is produced by the Huet family on their 17th century estate in Normandy, France.
Apple varieties include Bedan, Binet Rouge, Bisquet, Fréquin Rouge, Saint Martin, Rambault, Moulin à Vent, and Mettais.
100% pure apple juice is fermented for four months to reach ideal dryness before being bottled. The second fermentation occurs naturally in the bottle.

Golden, with flashes of orange colors. Flavors of baked apple and apple sauce. Lightly effervescent with frothy bubbles, this cider offers an aroma of ripe fruit while striking the perfect balance between semi-sweetness and sharpness. Serve chilled in white wine glasses.

Pierre Huet Cidre Pays D'Auge Demi-Sec is an unpasteurized demi-sec cider from the appellation d'origine protégée in the Pays d'Auge region of Normandy. It is a traditional French cider produced using the time-honored methods required by the Pays D'Auge. The 100% pure apple juice is fermented between one to four months to achieve the perfect semi-sweet flavor before being bottled. The second fermentation occurs naturally in the bottle. 

A wonderful brunch cider that goes well with eggs benedict, omelets, and french toast.  Delicious with small plates, cheese (creamy, triple crème style), charcuterie.   Goes well with light, fruit-based and custard style desserts.

Apple Varieties include: Bedan, Binet Rouge, Bisquet, Fréquin Rouge, Saint Martin, Rambault, Moulin à Vent, and Mettais, among others, are used in its production.

Recent Awards: Gold Medal, USA Spirits awards 2022 - 92 Points

Tasting Notes : Deep amber in color. Lovely strong pear, and apple on the nose. Delicate notes of caramel and cider spices with a hint of salinity. Slightly peppery and minty on the palate, with a finish of salted butter caramel. Incredibly round and well-bodied leading to a long-extended finish...  Serve in a small brandy glass.

This Calvados XO (also known as Vieille Réserve 8 years) follows the strict Calvados AOC Pays d'Auge guidelines that require double-distillations in a traditional copper pot still called an "alembic á repassé." The fermented cidre that is used for making Calvados (called calvados cidre) is fermented for 12 months in hundred-year-old oak barrels before being distilled. After distillation, the resulting spirits are put in oak barrels once again and aged for a minimum of eight years. The cellar master then blends Calvados aged from eight to eleven years old to produce this Calvados XO.

Produced in the most coveted region of Bas Armagnac, the Labiette Castille Bas Armagnac 2000 vintage is made by blending brandies made from grapes harvested, vinified, and distilled in the year 2000 only.  This 20-year-old Armagnac has aromas of brioche and caramel. Delicate on the palate with hints of cloves, walnut, cedar, and orange peel. Serve as a digestive - savor as an after-dinner drink with special guests.  

700ml 40% Alc/vol.

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) Maison Hérout Grande Cuvée Extra-Brut vintage 2019 (750ml)

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

o   (1) Pierre Huet Cidre Bouché (750ml)

o   (1) Pierre Huet Pays D’Auge Cidre Demi-Sec (750ml)

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

o   (2) Herout Amour Brut (12 oz. bottle)

o   (2) La Chouette Rosé Demi-Sec (12 oz. bottle)

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

Gold Medal, CiderCraft Magazine 2021, Specialty Cider Category 

Double Gold Medal, CiderCraft Magazine, 2018 Specialty Cider Category 

A delicious drink to accompany your meals during the fall and holiday season or anytime you want an exceptional cider! The chestnut and apples intertwine to make the perfect companion to turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. 

This divine elixir is made by co-fermenting apples and organic chestnuts. Flavors of candied chestnut, cocoa, and intense florals. Hints of mango and banana on the finish. Sumptuous bubbles. 

Why Cuvée XVII?  Because there are 17 ingredients: 16 varieties of apples plus the 17th element, the chestnut!

This elegant Calvados is produced, bottled, and aged at a 17th century estate near the village of Saint Pierre in Normandy, France.
A fine amber color with a nose of cashew, almond, and pear aromas. The finish is a lingering, fine, and tender brandy. Serve in a small brandy glass at the end of a meal as a digestif. Pairs beautifully with a square of fine chocolate and a nice cigar.

This calvados has been distilled once in a single column still and aged over 15 years in small oak casks. 

750 ML bottles. In individual gift boxes. 40% alc/vol.

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.

This heady AOC Calvados is drawn from one, unique distillation batch from 1999 that was aged in small, oak casks that previously held sherry and port. 750 ML bottles. In individual gift boxes. 40% alc/vol.

This superb Calvados greets you with the aromas of crème brulée and roasted sugar.  Very buttery and round on the palate – somewhere between caramel and butterscotch.  A slight hint of horehound on the finish (licorice and root beer!).  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.

This complex AOC Calvados is drawn from one, unique distillation batch from the year 2000 that was aged in oak casks formerly used for Hungarian Tokai wine. 750 ML bottles. In individual gift boxes. 40% alc/vol.

Savor the aromas of flowers and honey. Taste the confectionary notes with orange spices.  The mouth is rich, well-structured, and round.

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.