THE HOLY SPIRITS VIEW
A single cask, cask strength, unadulterated Armagnac from the oldest negociant family in France, selected and bottled by Grape of the Art (one of the finest and most prominent independent bottlers of Armagnac). I mean, what's not to like?
 
THE OFFICIAL BLURB
What? 
Grape of the Art Castarède 1986 Ténarèze 
Cask N°B10, 36 years old, humid cellar, 53.4% abv cask strength 
Ugni Blanc and Colombard
Who? 
Grape of the Art
The Castarède family has been the guiding light of France's oldest Armagnac house since its establishment in 1832, a history that spans over six generations. Today, 192 years since its founding, the company remains under the watchful eye of Florence Castarède, who continues to carry the torch of her family's storied tradition. This house possesses an extensive collection of vintage Armagnacs, with their oldest bottle dating back to 1893.
A point of pride for Armagnac Castarède is that the most recent two cellar masters have each held on to those roles for over three decades. This impressive fact is an informal guarantee of consistency and quality for what ends up in the bottle - for which this Grape of the Art 1986 edition is clear evidence. The Castarède family's commitment to showcasing the best of what Armagnac has to offer has led them to become so much more than just an Armagnac house; they are part of the fabric of the region and this great spirit - Armagnac.
Their commitment goes far beyond the borders of France, as Florence Castarède actively engages with a global audience. Sure, there are no regional locomotives like we can see in the Cognac region, but a house like Castarède plays a huge role in sharing Armagnac outside of France. And to that we say, bravo!
Where? 
Ténarèze
How? 
The Grape of the Art Castarède 1986 Ténarèze Armagnac aged for 36 years in Cask N°B10 in one of Castarède’s humid cellars. It carries a robust 53.4% ABV at cask strength and is a blend of Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes (the exact proportions are unknown). As with every bottling of Grape of the Art, the color is natural, there are no additives whatsoever, and no chill-filtration took place. This is an Armagnac with an immediate elegance and a fruit-forward mix of berries and tropical fruits. It is evocative of spring with its floral freshness, and its delicacy and finesse make it reminiscent of some Cognacs. It presents a lovely texture, blending creamy and oily, with flavors of soft berry fruit sorbets. The elegance from the nose is confirmed, offering a balanced and refined tasting experience that manages its alcohol level really well.
 
 
TASTING NOTES
The bouquet is incredibly elegant and fruity, with overripe raspberries, blackberries and tropical fruits such as mangoes and passion fruit, which are given a warm touch by a hint of flowers. The approaching spring and the first thaw send their regards!
The palate is caressed by a creaminess, oily texture and sweetness that you would only expect from a vanilla ice cream with raspberry sorbet. Totally balanced and elegant, this Armagnac is proof that the Ténarèze region offers not only robustness and edge but also incredible elegance and finesse!
 
Spirit category
Armagnac
Producer
Castarède
Origin
Ténarèze
Grape variety
Ugni Blanc & Colombard
Vintage
1986
ABV
53,4 %
Still type
Alambic Armagnacais
Distillateur
–
Aged for
36 years
Cellar climate
Wet
Cask number
#BIO
Bottled in
February 2024
Number of bottles
246