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PURE FOLLE BLANCHE
Folle Blanche might be the oldest grape variety in the Armagnac appellation yet today covers merely 5% of total vineyard plantings. While this rare grape variety may be fragile and capricious, it’s imbued with incredible finesse and elegance
After the phylloxera crisis in the 19th century, Folle Blanche was not replanted in favour of more resistant grape varieties. The Grassa family is particularly fond of the Folle Blanche and its exceptional aromatic qualities. They reintroduced it at Domaine Tariquet in the 1980s and continue to strongly develop its establishment.
The range of Pure Folle Blanche showcases the evolution of this magnificent grape variety through different ageing as well as with the young Blanche Armagnac.
The alcohol level of VS has been slightly reduced due to its relative youth. The 8-, 12-, 15- and 25-year-old Pure Folle Blanche are all bottled at cask strength to fully express their respective characters and optimise their aromatic qualities.
BLANCHE ARMAGNAC
Blanche Armagnac is a young A.O.C. (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) created in 2005. This eau-de-vie, selected as soon as distilled, is not put in barrels but simply aged for a few months in tanks, hence it’s as clear as water. It can be made with any of the grape varieties authorised in the Armagnac appellation but at Domaine Tariquet, we decided to produce our Blanche Armagnac exclusively with the rare and delicate Folle Blanche, renowned for its finesse and elegance.
Domaine Tariquet’s Blanche Armagnac is vintage-dated and is sold in a 50cl bottle, which allows its freshness and aromas to be best preserved.
Aged for a few months in stainless steel tanks, 46° alc.
Grape variety : Folle Blanche 100%
Tasting notes
Aromas of pear and linden blossom lead to notes of iodine, almond and blond caramel upon aeration. A fresh mouthfeel with melon and violets blends seamlessly into the intensity of black pepper. The lengthy finish of spices mingles with flavours of plum and green apple. A finish of dried flowers and fresh spices.
Tasting recommendations
To be enjoyed at room temperature, chilled or iced. Blanche Armagnac can be enjoyed neat as an aperitif, as a “trou gascon” – a palate cleanser between dishes, or as a digestive. It will also pair well with raw or smoked salmon, caviar, smoked eel, hummus, Roquefort, sorbets, Baba à la Blanche.
The Blanche Armagnac is also a wonderful ingredient in many cocktails, whether classics or unexpected creations.
PURE FOLLE BLANCHE VS
This single varietal Bas-Armagnac is a blend of different vintages made exclusively with the Folle Blanche grape variety.
Pure Folle Blanche VS was designed to show the aromatic richness of this very particular grape variety.
Aged 3 to 5 years *, 45° alc.
Grape variety : Folle Blanche 100%
* Regulations stipulate that an Armagnac may be labelled VS after at least one year of ageing.
Tasting notes
A pale golden hue. A delicate nose of sweet toffee, tarte Tatin and almond paste. Scents of currants and fine wood appear as the Armagnac breathes. The initial freshness and supple texture of the eau-de-vie finish in a delicate harmony of toffee and spices.
Tasting recommendations
This blend of several vintages can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, both neat and in cocktails. It will go wonderfully with ice cream, an Armagnac Baba or a vanilla mille-feuille.
PURE FOLLE BLANCHE 8 ANS
A remarkable age to discover the power and vivacity of this grape variety in combination with the subtle nuances derived from its ageing in barrels.
Minimum ageing 8 years, cask strength 50.5° alc.
Grape variety : Folle Blanche 100%
Tasting notes
A golden hue. A sappy, vanilla nose alongside plum and citrus. Intense and powerful, the palate is tense, marked with vegetal and fruity nuances and cocoa notes. Beautiful length on the palate that leads to a finish of orange zest.
Tasting recommendations
At room temperature or slightly chilled, the natural intensity of this Folle Blanche will offer a delicious counterpoint to any dessert made with orange and chocolate.
PURE FOLLE BLANCHE 12 ANS
After 12 years of ageing, the Folle Blanche reaches a level of maturity which shows a very assertive style with a precise, almost iodised palate.
Minimum ageing 12 years, cask strength 48.2° alc.
Grape variety : Folle Blanche 100%
Tasting notes
A deep golden colour. A nose replete with fresh fruit (orange, lemon, apple) and flowers. On the palate, the initial freshness intensifies with notes of candied pineapple, nutmeg, white pepper and citrus zest. On the finish, a subtle hint of liquorice coats the fruit and spice, finishing with a hint of walnut, a result of the long-ageing which we call “rancio”.
Tasting recommendations
Should be served at room temperature with a fruit dessert, a meringue pastry. On its own, it is the perfect expression of complexity and elegance.
PURE FOLLE BLANCHE 15 ANS
The Folle Blanche fully blossoms after 15 years of ageing, revealing a second stage of maturity of great elegance.
Pure Folle Blanche 15 ans was voted “Best Spirit of the Year” – Best Spirit of the Year, Supreme Champion Spirit 2022 – winning over all competing spirits categories at the International Spirits Challenge Competition in the UK in July 2022.
Minimum ageing 15 years, cask strength 47.2° alc.
Grape variety: Folle Blanche 100%
Tasting notes
A brilliant colour with mahogany highlights. The nose is intense and complex with candied orange, rancio, honey and Madagascar pepper. The attack is both generous and intense. While the palate is powerful, it is not aggressive, but rather mouth coating and shows exotic spice notes. The finish reveals the brightness of the rancio in combination with sweeter flavours of dried fruit, pineapple, apple and grape.
Tasting recommendations
The Pure Folle Blanche 15 ans should be served at room temperature or in a glass slightly warmed by one’s hands to enhance its aromatic richness.
PURE FOLLE BLANCHE 25 ANS
A unique Bas-Armagnac showing exceptional balance and tremendous length on the palate. It is the definition of finesse and intensity. The ageing of 25 years highlights yet another interesting facet of this mischievous grape variety, while preserving its characteristic liveliness.
Minimum ageing 25 years, cask strength 48.6° alc.
Grape variety: Folle Blanche 100%
Tasting notes
A golden robe with orange highlights. A nose that evokes aromas of caramel and fresh pastry. The palate is fluid, powerful and fresh, offering great persistence of spice, stone fruits, exotic fruits, and honeysuckle sensations. An incredibly long and intense finish of stone fruits, dried fruits and spices.
Tasting recommendations
The Pure Folle Blanche 25 ans is best enjoyed at room temperature after a meal and is ideally accompanied by bitter dark chocolate or a cigar.
