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Founded in 1832, Nismes Delclou Armagnac is the oldest trading House of Armagnac.
The Armagnacs Nismes Delclou are a family affair, that of the prestigious family Nismes known for its long lineage of local craftsmen since the 17th century and its active participation in the development of Nérac, once the main residence of King Henri III of Navarre and his wife Queen Margot.
Encouraged by Baron Haussmann, négociant Pierre Nismes starts the house at the beginning of the 19th century. Upon marrying Elisabeth Delclou in 1830, she insists the Armagnac house should bear her name as well, and in 1832, the Armagnacs Jules Nismes Delclou - after their son’s names - becomes the first registered Armagnac trading house. Jules continues developing the company until a cousin, Raymond Castarède, takes over in 1930. Today, the historic Bas Armagnacs Nismes Delclou are still crafted by the Castarède family, headed by Florence Castarède.
Nismes Delclou Armagnacs are renowned worldwide for their exceptional collection of multi-awarded vintages, with the oldest one dating from 1893.
As per the AOC rules, vintage armagnacs are the result of a certain year’s grape harvest and must be aged a minimum of 10 years.
Nismes Delclou over-ages all their vintages, bottles only on demand, and all bottling dates are indicated on the back labels, allowing the consumer to work out the exact age of the vintages.
Whether sourced or produced at the 16 hectares historic estate in Mauléon d’Armagnac, the Nismes Delclou armagnacs are crafted from Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Baco in the most highly rated terroir of the Bas Armagnac region, where vines grow on poor and acidic clay loam soils with pockets of iron, giving birth to light, fruity, delicate and reputed eaux-de-vie.
Since all vintages rest in casks until they are ordered and bottled, their taste profiles continue evolving throughout the years. The below tasting notes may therefore be slightly different, except for vintages distilled before 1950-60 which are now preserved in ‘demi-john’ bottles.
1981: Subtle aromas of cinnamon spiced toffee apple, caramel with whiff of menthol. Dried fruits, lightly spiced caramel, leather & orange marmalade on the palate.
Spirit Type: Armagnac
Pacific Edge Marketing Group, Inc.
5155 Clareton Dr., #100
Agoura Hills, California 91301