Request for Information

[Marilyn716]

My mother recently died and among the items she left behind is a Green bottle (filled with some kind of wine(?) with the following words inscribed:

Vielle Reerve
MIS EN BOUTEILLE AU DOMAINE
Domaine
Le Leahitte
Bas Armagqnac
APPELLATION ARMAGNAC CONTROLEE

750 ml
80 Proof
PROPRIETAIRE RCOLTANT A
MAULEON D'ARMAGNAC (GERS)

This has never been opened and I've no idea what this is. Could you please help me or direct me to someone who can?

Thank you.

Marilyn

[Kcwhippet]

Armagnac is a brandy distilled from wine, just like Cognac but from a different district in France. As the label says, it's 80 proof. It should be a decent post dinner sipping brandy.

[wondersofwine]

This is a fortified drink with a blend of brandies added to the wine. 80 proof indicates that it is not a regular table wine. There is a good website in French and English at http://www.swfrance.com/armagnac.
It says that Armagnac (unlike regular wines) should be stored upright. It would have a longer shelf life than many wines because of the fortified nature of the drink.

[Marilyn716]

Dear Wondersofwine and Kcwhippet.
I appreciate your kind, quick and informative replies.
Has anyone any idea if this bottle (and it's contents) have any value. I believe my mother had it in her closet for a good 30 years.

My 50th birthday is tomorrow (July 16) and I'm wondering if I should open it and enjoy.

Again, thank you to one and all for any info regarding knowledge and value of this product.

Marilyn

[Kcwhippet]

There's no real added value to the Armagnac because of its age. Once it's put into bottle it doesn't age anymore. Your bottle has the Vieille Reserve designation, which means it's been aged in barrels for at least 6 1/2 years. However, thirty years of bottle age don't add or detract to the brandy. I've checked a few databases to see if your Armagnac shows up as something a collector may be looking for, but I couldn't find any mention of it. So, I'd say to open it for your birthday and enjoy. Happy Birthday!