Clos Martin Armagnac XO 15 Years
Clos Martin Armagnac XO 15 Years is a 40% ABV Bas-Armagnac blended from eaux-de-vie aged a minimum of 15 years in oak — more than twice the legal XO minimum of six — in this 750mL bottle. Distilled from Baco and Ugni Blanc grapes in small traditional short-column Armagnac alembics at low strength, it is raised in oak demi-muids by cellar master José Barbe at Millesimes & Tradition in Magnan, near Nogaro, in the heart of Bas-Armagnac. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Aging: Minimum 15 years in oak (XO legal minimum: 6)
- Appellation: Bas-Armagnac — Baco + Ugni Blanc grapes
- Producer: Millesimes & Tradition, Magnan/Nogaro — cellar master José Barbe
Fifteen Years in the Heart of Bas-Armagnac
Armagnac's Bas region gives the most prized eaux-de-vie in Gascony, and Clos Martin's XO is a patient expression of it: low-strength single distillation that keeps the wine's fruit, then a decade and a half in regional oak. The eaux-de-vie rest unblended in grower cellars until Barbe assembles the final cuvée. The result is old-school Armagnac — rounder and more rustic than Cognac, built for slow sipping. Browse more Armagnac, all brandy, or the full Clos Martin range.
Tasting Notes
Deep and mellow: dried fig and prune, toasted hazelnut and warm oak spice, a flicker of rancio — that savory walnut-and-dried-fruit character long aging brings. The low-strength distillation keeps a plump fruit core under the wood, and the finish is long, dry, and gently tannic.
How to Enjoy
Pour neat in a tulip glass or small snifter at room temperature; a few minutes of air opens the rancio beautifully. It is a natural after-dinner pour with dark chocolate, walnuts, or a cigar — and a patient cook's secret weapon in flambéed desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does XO mean on an Armagnac?
Extra Old — the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend must be at least 6 years old by law. Clos Martin's XO goes well beyond that, with a stated minimum of 15 years in oak.
Where is Bas-Armagnac?
The western, most prized sub-region of Armagnac in Gascony, southwestern France — Clos Martin's producer, Millesimes & Tradition, is based in Magnan near Nogaro, at its heart.
What grapes are in Clos Martin XO?
A blend of Baco and Ugni Blanc, distilled in traditional short-column Armagnac alembics.
For a 15-year Bas-Armagnac at an honest price, order Clos Martin Armagnac XO online from Del Mesa Liquor — 750mL, ready for pickup or delivery in San Diego, CA.