Armagnac: The Definitive Guide to France's Premier Brandy (Hardcover)

by Charles Neal (Author) "Throughout the centuries, many nations have controlled Armagnac soil..." (more)
Key Phrases: Réserve Spéciale, cave coopérative, oldest armagnac, Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Armagnacaise Alcohol (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This detailed study takes us to Gascony and shows the hidden factors that go into the production of a great Armagnac. Insights into the blending and permitted additives are provided. Profiles of the most influential negociants, objective tasting notes and even information on matching Armagnacs with cigars. . Armagnacs from a single year have subtle notes of prune, apricot, vanilla, spice and nuts converging into heavenly bouquets. Biographies and reviews of 140 producers and negociants, the precise differences between Cognac and Armagnac and tasting notes of over 750 vintages are provided.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 319 pages
• Publisher: Wine Appreciation Guild (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1891267205
• ISBN-13: 978-1891267208
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #720,210 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding resourse for any lover of brandy, July 10, 2000

By	F. Guthrie (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Armagnac (Hardcover)

Although this volume is dedicated to the appreciation of armagnac, it is the most informative single volume I've found on French brandy in general. Compared to the glossy photo-filled guidebooks on cognac, it might appear a bit crude with its black-and-white photos and idiosyncratic text. But it is packed with the kind of straightforward, unvarnished information about armagnac and cognac -- production techniques, additives, relative sales volume -- that is altogether missing from those prettier books, yet is absolutely essential for understanding the fundamental differences between these two wonderful brandies. Mr. Neal has an insider's knowledge (and strong opinions), but is generally evenhanded in his treatment of the relative merits of armagnac and cognac. His thumbnail reviews of a voluminous number of specific bottlings and vintages are an indispensible purchasing guide, even if many of them are (sadly) not available beyond the estates where they are distilled and bottled. Overall, an essential addition to the brandy-lover's library.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent overview, especially for the novice, September 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Armagnac (Hardcover)

If you've only heard about, or had a taste of, the excellent alternative to cognac, this book will give you the big picture beautifully. Growers and producers are discussed at some length, there's excellent info on the region and its customs, and there is special attention given to some of the more technical aspects of production and character. The photos are a little dark, but the text is so lively they're almost superfluous. If you're intrigued by the topic or want to know more, this is the resource you need.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Finally someone provides an overview of the Armagnac region, May 24, 1999

By	Kim Nielsen (Skovlunde, Denmark) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Armagnac (Hardcover)

This book has (some) values for all Armagnac-interested persons. For the novice will it provide ample information about Armagnac (what is it, where is it, etc) and for the 'half-pro', many tasting notes and details of producers. For a 'professional' Armagnac drinker, however, the details about the individual producers are somewhat lacking; also it suffers from the absolute lack of color pictures (only b/w), but all-in-all recommendable (basically since no other documentation on the subject exists)