DARROZE BORDERLINE

A French brandy where our Gascon eaux-de-vie meet the barrels of great wines

The Darroze family has built up a unique collection of Armagnacs from a wide variety of terroirs. Present in over 50 countries worldwide, Darroze Armagnacs are considered one of the benchmarks of the Appellation. The mastery of ageing and the relationship between oak wood and eau de vie form the basis of this quest for excellence.

In the range called Borderline, these Gascony spirits travel from traditional casks of Gascony oak to barrels of wine or other spirits in which they will finish their maturation. While this final journey no longer allows these spirits to be bottled under the Armagnac appellation, it does reveal new nuances in the potential of this Gascon terroir.

©Credits Clément Garby

Choose your finish

Finish en fût de Chardonnay Appellation : Brandy Français Alcohol content: 49% alc. Finish : Porto blanc barrels Number of bottles produced: 993 Description The 2018 armagnacs chosen for this finish are made from the baco grape variety. No new wood was used during the 6 years of maturing the armagnac in classic 400-litre barrels. When we transferred our armagnacs to white port barrels, they showed fruity aromas with little tannin. This transfer took place in January 2024, in the middle of winter, in cold, damp conditions. In contact with these barrels of white Port, the brandy quickly (after 7 to 8 weeks) found its new balance, full of finesse. The influence of the barrel was quickly felt, and the 10 months that followed allowed the brandy’s aromas to become more refined and balanced.

Tasting note

Attractive, brilliant gold colour.
A delicate nose, with subtle aromas of honey, verbena and a hint of aniseed. Beautiful spicy notes of liquorice accompany the white fruit and almond paste. Very subtle and delicate. A very fine balance on the palate between subtle aromas (honey, beeswax, almonds, frangipane, orange blossom), silky, fat tannins and mellow, slightly sweet alcohol. An eau-de-vie of great finesse.
Finish en fût de Pinot noirs Appellation : Brandy Français Alcohol content: 49% alc. Finish : Rivesaltes barrels Number of bottles produced: 997 Description In January 2024, we transferred these 6-year-old armagnacs into these old barrels of amber-coloured Rivesaltes wines. The vins doux naturels de Rivesaltes are made from the red Grenache noir grape variety. Typical of these Roussillon wines are their aromas of roasting and candied fruit. After 1 year maturing in these barrels, our armagnac has been transformed into brandy. Although it has lost its Armagnac appellation, the brandy combines the spirited character of the original with the vinous nuances of sweet wine. No racking was carried out during these 12 months.

Tasting note

Amber in colour, with hints of gold and orange.
A nose in which candied fruit, dried fruit, quince compote, candied orange peel and gingerbread bring complexity and richness. Intense but without aggressiveness or excess. On the palate, the attack is supple, almost sweet. This is followed by an explosion of aromas of stewed fruit, black olive, roasted coffee and chocolate, and fine spices. Very long on the palate. Lots of character and aromatic intensity.
Finish en fût de Sauternes Appellation : Brandy Français Alcohol content: 47,5% alc. Finish : Sauternes barrels Number of bottles produced: 990 Description Armagnacs from the 2017 vintage have been selected for this cuvée. 5 years of ageing and maturing in 400-litre Gascon oak barrels, very classic for our traditional maturings. In February 2023, we transferred these Armagnacs to 220-liter barrels selected in Sauternes. These 3-wine barrels were filled «fresh», just emptied after the last racking of wine. The sweetness of Sauternes wines brings roundness and softness to the natural ardor of Armagnac. The time spent in contact with these barrels (the finishes) was particularly long - over 5 months - to give Armagnac all the finesse of the aromas contained in the barrels of sweet wines. Until they are bottled, these brandies, which have lost their original name, will be kept in old barrels, which will no longer modify their aromatic profile.




Tasting note

Golden color with brown highlights.
A very fruity nose of tart candies, Armagnac prunes, flambéed bananas and watermelon jam. A very flattering nose, which suggests lots of caressing and roundness on the palate. Magnificent. No disappointment on the palate, where flavors of confectionery and English sweets are still present, accompanied by fruit cake, candied fruit and almond paste. The sweetness provided by the Sauternes cask adds roundness and softness to this sublime Gascon spirit.

Discover The range of Armagnacs Darroze

La Collection Unique

Les Grands Assemblages

 Carafe Luxe Gascon millésime 1929 des Armagnacs Darroze

Le Luxe
Gascon

L'Unique Assemblage

La Blanche Armagnac

Darroze
Biologic

 Bouteille de Darroze Borderline finish Sauternes.

Darroze Borderline

Darroze Mixology