Janneau Armagnac is a brand of Armagnac, a type of French brandy that is produced in the Armagnac region of Gascony in southwestern France. Armagnac is made from distilled wine and aged in oak barrels, resulting in a spirit with a rich, complex flavor profile.
Janneau Armagnac was founded in 1851 by Pierre Etienne Janneau, and it is one of the oldest and most prestigious Armagnac producers in the region. The company produces a range of Armagnac expressions, including blends and vintage bottlings that are aged for varying lengths of time. Some of Janneau Armagnac’s most well-known expressions include their VS, VSOP, and XO bottlings, which are aged for at least two, four, and ten years, respectively. Janneau Armagnac is known for its high-quality, handcrafted spirits, which are made using traditional techniques and carefully selected grapes from the Armagnac region.
Origin: Janneau Armagnac is produced in the Armagnac region of Gascony in southwestern France. The company was founded in 1851 by Pierre Etienne Janneau and has been producing high-quality Armagnac for over 150 years.
Ingredients: Janneau Armagnac is made from distilled wine produced from a blend of grapes grown in the Armagnac region, including Ugni Blanc, Colombard, and Folle Blanche. The wine is then aged in oak barrels, which impart flavors and aromas to the spirit.
Texture: Janneau Armagnac has a smooth, velvety texture with a rich, complex flavor profile. The spirit has notes of dried fruit, vanilla, oak, and spice, with a long, smooth finish.
Proof: Janneau Armagnac is typically bottled at a strength of around 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof).
Usage: Janneau Armagnac is typically enjoyed as a sipping spirit, either on its own or with a splash of water to open up its flavors and aromas. It can also be used in cocktails as a flavorful substitute for other types of brandy.
Production: Janneau Armagnac is produced using traditional techniques, including double distillation in copper pot stills and aging in oak barrels. The company uses a blend of grapes to produce their Armagnac, which is aged for varying lengths of time depending on the bottling.
Manufacturer: Janneau Armagnac is produced by Janneau SAS, a French spirits company based in Condom, France. The company is one of the largest producers of Armagnac in the region and is known for its high-quality, handcrafted spirits.
Janneau Armagnac is a versatile spirit that can be paired with a range of foods, both sweet and savory. Here are some popular food pairings to try with Janneau Armagnac:
- Dark chocolate: The rich, complex flavors of Janneau Armagnac pair beautifully with the intense flavors of dark chocolate.
- Cheese: Aged cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and parmesan have a nutty, savory flavor that complements the sweet, fruity notes of Janneau Armagnac.
- Foie gras: Foie gras is a classic pairing with Armagnac. The rich, buttery flavor of the foie gras pairs perfectly with the smooth, velvety texture of Janneau Armagnac.
- Nuts: The nutty flavor of almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts pairs well with the dried fruit and spice notes in Janneau Armagnac.
- Grilled meats: The smoky, charred flavors of grilled meats like steak or lamb complement the rich, complex flavors of Janneau Armagnac.
- Desserts: Janneau Armagnac can be paired with a range of desserts, from fruit tarts to crème brûlée. The spirit’s sweet, fruity notes pair well with the rich, creamy flavors of these desserts.
Ultimately, the best food pairings with Janneau Armagnac will depend on your personal tastes and preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different pairings to find what works best for you.
Janneau Armagnac is typically served as a sipping spirit, either on its own or with a splash of water. The spirit is usually served at room temperature, or slightly chilled, depending on personal preference.
To serve Janneau Armagnac, pour a small amount (around 1 to 2 ounces) into a tulip-shaped glass or a snifter. The tulip shape of the glass allows the aromas to concentrate at the top, while the wide bowl of the snifter allows the spirit to breathe and develop its flavors.
When sipping Janneau Armagnac, take small sips and let the spirit rest on your palate for a few moments to fully experience its flavors and aromas. You can also add a small amount of water to the Armagnac to open up its flavors and reduce its alcohol content.
Janneau Armagnac can also be used in cocktails as a flavorful substitute for other types of brandy. Some popular cocktails that use Armagnac include the Sidecar, the Boulevardier, and the Old Fashioned.
Cocktails that Feature Janneau Armagnac
The Janneau Sidecar
- 2 oz Janneau Armagnac
- 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- Sugar for rimming (optional)
Rim a chilled cocktail glass with sugar, then shake the Armagnac, Cointreau or triple sec, and lemon juice with ice. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
The Boulevardier Janneau
- 1 1/2 oz Janneau Armagnac
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange twist for garnish
Stir the Armagnac, sweet vermouth, and Campari with ice until well chilled, then strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
The Janneau Old Fashioned
- 2 oz Janneau Armagnac
- 1 tsp simple syrup or sugar
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel and cherry for garnish
In a mixing glass, stir the Armagnac, simple syrup or sugar, and bitters with ice until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over ice, then garnish with an orange peel and cherry.
The Janneau Royal
- 1 1/2 oz Janneau Armagnac
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 1/2 oz Lillet Blanc
- 2 oz chilled sparkling wine
- Rosemary sprig for garnish
In a shaker, combine the Armagnac, lime juice, honey syrup, and Lillet Blanc with ice. Shake well and strain into a champagne flute. Top with chilled sparkling wine and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary.
The Janneau Ginger Sour
- 2 oz Janneau Armagnac
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz ginger syrup
- 1/4 oz egg white
- Lemon twist for garnish
Combine the Armagnac, lemon juice, ginger syrup, and egg white in a shaker without ice and shake vigorously. Add ice and shake again until well chilled. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
These cocktails showcase the unique flavors and versatility of Janneau Armagnac in a range of cocktails, from sparkling and fruity to spicy and complex. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your own signature Janneau Armagnac cocktails.