Words from Armagnac: Appellation

If one sticks to its literal meaning, the word appellation is the action of designating someone or something by giving it a name. Its legal meaning defined since 1909 became even more significant in 1935 when the term «d’Origine Controlée» was attached to it: the appellation became a label of identity. That of products made in a limited area of production from defined grape varieties, cultivated and vinified in a traditional way for a suitable yield. A guarantee of integrity, The National Institute of Appellations is appointed as the organization charged with the definition, the protection and the control of the appellations. It was this organization that made Armagnac one of the first French Appellation d’Origine Controlée (AOC). The same year, the whole of Armagnac’s identity was refined and anchored around a territory, a history, a community of men and their savoir-faire.

A territory because the appellation is rooted in an area of production from where stems its originality. The appellation is local with boundaries beyond which it does not exist. Outside of the Gers, certain areas of the Landes and a part of the Lot-et-Garonne, Armagnac is not present.

A history because the appellation is inextricably linked with its past. It is the ultimate recognition of a centuries-old tradition for Armagnac since the 14th century and which continues to be written. Without this history, there is no Armagnac.

A human community because the appellation relies on men and women that come together with a savoir-faire and common passion. The appellation and its product are both impregnated with the character of the winegrowers, winemakers, distillers, coopers and cellar masters. Without them, Armagnac would not exist.

Above all, the appellation offers status at the same time as stature. It is a family name, a legitimate proof of identity and a definitive truth: that of quality, style, type, and authenticity.

Did you say Armagnac?

Source BNIA