Bas-Armagnac, France
If Armagnac is France’s secret treasure, then Chateau du Tariquet is its hidden gem under lock-and-key! Built in 1683 with its vineyards bordering the town of Eauze, the capital of Bas-Armagnac, Chateau du Tariquet is considered one of the most prestigious (and highly sought-after) houses in creating the country’s oldest brandy. The soil profile in their vineyards of ‘poor, acidic’ clay-silt with traces of iron oxides truly sets them apart, giving them their distinct flavour in every bottle. True advocates of their art, the chateau still creates their Armagnac by hand (even bottling!) – hence their production is limited every year. Rich in history that started with the most romantic story in Gascony of the Artaud and Grassa dynasties, Chateau du Tariquet is still run by the Grassa family today.