Dartigalongue Armagnac Un-Oaked Blanche
Dartigalongue Armagnac Un-Oaked Blanche is the white, unaged face of Armagnac: a Bas-Armagnac eau-de-vie that has never touched an oak barrel, bottled at 43.2% ABV (86.4 proof) in a 750mL bottle. Off the still at 58% vol., it rests for a minimum of three months in stainless-steel tanks while it is gradually reduced with demineralized water — capturing fresh pear, apple and white blossom at full aromatic intensity. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 43.2% (86.4 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: Unaged — zero oak contact; 3 months stainless-steel rest
- Appellation: Blanche Armagnac (AOC since 2005), Bas-Armagnac
- Grapes: Ugni Blanc, Baco 22A, Folle Blanche
- Distillation: Single distillation in an Armagnacais column still to 58% vol.
- Origin: Nogaro, Bas-Armagnac, France
Armagnac Before the Barrel
Blanche Armagnac only became an officially recognized appellation in 2005 (by decree of 27 May 2005): it is the pure distillate of Armagnac, kept in inert containers so the fresh fruit and flower aromas survive. Dartigalongue's version comes from the same three-grape house blend and the same single Armagnacais column still as its aged range — the difference is what happens next. There is no oak at all: the white eau-de-vie is held in stainless-steel tanks for a minimum of three months while demineralized water brings it gradually to 43.2% ABV, a slow reduction the house says preserves freshness. It belongs to the "Armagnac Experience" range, built for bartenders with bottlings above 40% ABV. Explore the Dartigalongue collection, the Armagnac shelf, and more white spirits for cocktail use at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
The brand's official notes describe subtle pear, apple and white blossom on the nose; the mouth is very full with a creamy texture, finishing on sweet almond. The US importer agrees: pear, apple and white flowers on the aroma, a round, velvety palate, and a finish of sweet almonds. Expect purity and lift rather than oak weight — this is Armagnac as the distiller tastes it off the still.
How to Enjoy
Serve neat or on ice to appreciate the unaged fruit character, or substitute it for any white spirit in a cocktail — the brand suggests lengthening it with tonic. Its creamy texture and almond finish make it a natural fit for white-spirit classics where you want more aromatic character than vodka gives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blanche Armagnac? An unaged Armagnac eau-de-vie, recognized as its own appellation since 2005. It is distilled like any Armagnac but never goes into oak, so it keeps the fresh fruit and floral aromas of the new spirit.
Is Dartigalongue Un-Oaked Blanche aged at all? No — it has zero oak contact. After distillation it rests at least 3 months in stainless-steel tanks during gradual reduction to 43.2% ABV; that is a tank rest, not aging.
How do you drink white Armagnac? Neat, on ice, with tonic, or as a substitute for vodka, gin or white rum in cocktails — it brings pear, apple and almond character that neutral spirits don't.
Is this the same as pisco or grappa? No — it is a French wine-distillate eau-de-vie from the Armagnac region, made from wine grapes (Ugni Blanc, Baco 22A, Folle Blanche) and column-distilled, just bottled before any barrel aging.
Armagnac in its purest, un-oaked form — order Dartigalongue Armagnac Un-Oaked Blanche online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.