Armagnac Producers of Gascony
Explore independent estates and historic houses behind some of Gascony’s most distinctive Armagnac brands. Compare their regions, grapes, distillation, cellars, and family traditions.
43°57'23.0"N 0°22'36.3"E
Domaine du Cardinat
Nestled in Sarragachies in the heart of Bas‑Armagnac, Domaine du Cardinat has been family-owned since the late 19th century. Founded by Joseph Lalanne, the estate passed to his son Camille in 1935, who began planting vines and led the domaine for over 70 years, selling mostly by word of mouth.
Today, the modest 5-hectare estate is managed by Camille’s daughter Patricia Singh and her husband Malkeet Singh. Returning home from a corporate career in the late 2000s, Patricia now oversees vineyard operations, while Malkeet manages the cellar. Their focus is on precision and stewardship at every stage of production.
All grapes are estate-grown and distilled on-site using a traditional mobile alembic still. Each single-vintage Armagnac begins aging in new oak before transitioning to older barrels, with detailed attention given to the development of each eau-de-vie. Annual production is extremely limited—only about five barrels—allowing for total control and artisanal care.
Patricia and Malkeet personally manage every step, from harvest to bottling. Domaine du Cardinat’s releases reflect generations of tradition, small-scale craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the terroir of Bas‑Armagnac.
Domaine de Jean-Bon
Located in Toujouse, in the heart of Bas‑Armagnac, Domaine de Jean‑Bon has been a family-run estate since 1905. Today, Béatrice Sourdois Lacourt and her daughter Clémence represent the fourth generation to manage the property and its Armagnac production.
The 50-hectare farm includes 6.5 hectares of primarily Baco vines, the signature grape of Bas‑Armagnac. The remainder is dedicated to traditional Gascon mixed farming—sunflowers, corn, and livestock—preserving its deep agricultural roots. The estate’s name honors a previous generation when three brothers named Jean lived on the property; one, affectionately known as “Jean-Bon” (meaning "Good Jean"), lent his nickname to the domaine.
Distillation is done on-site with a traditional mobile alembic still, and the eaux-de-vie age in 400-liter oak barrels within a rustic, dirt-floored cellar ideal for slow, steady maturation. With annual production limited to just four to eight barrels, every step—from vineyard to bottling—is managed personally by the family.
Domaine de Jean‑Bon remains deeply connected to its heritage, producing Armagnac in small batches with precision, pride, and a strong sense of place in the Gascon countryside.
Maison Aurian
Maison Aurian, founded in 1880 by Joseph Dupeyron in the historic Armagnac town of Condom, lies at the heart of the Ténarèze region. Long a hub for Armagnac trade and culture, the house remained in the Aurian family for generations before Florent and Isabella Soulhol acquired it in 2018.
The Soulhols have revitalized the house with a focus on craftsmanship and innovation while honoring its heritage. Their approach emphasizes precise cask management, tailoring aging techniques to the character of each eau-de-vie. Armagnacs mature in century-old cellars, with stocks dating back to 1900.
A highlight is Maison Aurian’s paradise room, where rare and exceptional Armagnacs rest in glass demijohns after barrel aging has stopped. Some are more than 100 years old, creating a living archive of the house’s legacy.
Maison Aurian is a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, anchored in one of Armagnac’s most important towns.
Domaine du Carpoulat
Located in Fources, a medieval bastide village, Domaine du Carpoulat is a sprawling vineyard in the Ténarèze region of Gascony. This region is known for its clay-limestone soils that contribute to the full-bodied character of its Armagnacs.
In the early 1970s, Yves Duflo, a former banana plantation manager from the Caribbean, purchased the property and under his ownership, the estate began producing Armagnac. Duflo's dedication to quality was evident in his decision to retain older Armagnac barrels rather than sell them to eager buyers. This practice allowed the estate to develop a unique and rich inventory of aged spirits over time.
In the mid-1990s, Duflo hired Jean-Jacques Bordes as cellar master. Following Duflo's passing, Bordes continued to manage the estate until his retirement in 2024, when he passed the responsibility to his son, Florient. Florient now resides on the property with his family, demonstrating a deep commitment to the estate's legacy.
Domaine du Carpoulat's Armagnac production is characterized by traditional methods, with a focus on preserving the unique characteristics of the Ténarèze terroir. The Bordes family's extensive knowledge and passion for Armagnac production have deeply influenced the estate's quality and history over the decades.
Domaine Séailles
Founded in 1961, Domaine Séailles is a family-owned estate in Mouchan, at the heart of the Ténarèze region of Armagnac. Established by lawyer Jean Labérenne, the domaine originally planted Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes for Armagnac production. Since 1997, the vineyard has been planted exclusively with Ugni Blanc.
In 1998, Domaine Séailles became one of the region’s pioneers in organic viticulture, earning Ecocert certification. Their farming philosophy emphasizes biodiversity, soil health, and long-term sustainability, and they are also pursuing NOP certification to meet international standards.
Today, the estate is run by Julien Franclet, who began as an oenology intern and succeeded Jean in 2016. Distillation is done using a traditional traveling alambic still brought onsite each harvest. The Armagnac is aged in French oak barrels, many crafted by local cooper Francis Miquel. The estate’s entire barrel stock is less than 200, including a limited quantity of vintages dating back to the 1970s.
Surrounded by historic sites like Château de Laressingle and the Abbaye de Flaran, Domaine Séailles remains deeply rooted in tradition. It continues to produce small quantities of expressive, estate-grown Armagnac that embody the authenticity and character of Ténarèze.
J. Damblat Armagnac
J. Damblat is the historic Armagnac label from a family-run company rooted in the Gascony region. In the early 1980s, Jean-Claude Havion—who had worked for the Damblat Armagnac house in the Gers—had the opportunity to take over the brand.
Jean-Claude worked closely with his sons Samuel and Lionel, who took over the business after his passing. Samuel, now the cellar master, has carried on the family’s deep connection to Armagnac and the traditions of sourcing and aging that define J. Damblat. Today, Samuel and his son continue the legacy with dedication to the heritage of Gascon spirits.
Although J. Damblat does not produce Armagnac themselves, they maintain a significant and historic role as aging and bottling specialists. Their multi-room cellar houses a wide-ranging collection of Armagnac casks sourced from all three subregions: Bas-Armagnac, Ténarèze, and Haut-Armagnac. These barrels span many decades and even include casks from domaines that no longer produce Armagnac, preserving rare pieces of regional history. The cellar is like a living, breathing museum of Armagnac, where tradition, memory, and craftsmanship converge in every cask they steward.
Domaine de Marquestau
Domaine de Marquestau is an 18th-century estate in Hontanx, in the heart of Bas-Armagnac. In 2013, four close friends—viticulturist Jean-Michel Lamothe, rugby player Julien Tastet, bullfighter Thomas Dufau, and commercial director Sébastien Sarrade—revived the historic property.
Today, the 13-hectare estate includes 8 hectares of Baco for Armagnac and 5 hectares for wine varieties. Distillation takes place on-site with a traditional traveling alembic still, using estate-grown grapes to maintain control over quality.
Three cellars, each with different humidity and microclimates, provide varied aging conditions. With annual production limited to roughly 15–20 barrels, the estate maintains an artisanal, hands-on approach.
Domaine de Marquestau combines historic Bas-Armagnac methods with a contemporary perspective on wine, food, and hospitality.
Ferme de Bacoge
Located in Hontanx in the heart of Bas-Armagnac, Ferme de Bacoge is a historic farm estate dating to around 1760. Christian Bergerot learned vineyard management and cellar operations alongside André Labarbe before taking over the property in the early 1990s.
Traditionally a mixed-use farm, Bacoge combined viticulture, cereal farming, and duck breeding for foie gras. Foie gras production was later discontinued so the estate could focus its attention on Armagnac and agriculture.
The estate cultivates its own grapes, primarily Baco, and distills on-site using a traditional traveling alembic. Three small cellars provide different humidity and temperature profiles, while each vintage ages in a single new toasted oak barrel—a relatively uncommon approach in Armagnac.
Ferme de Bacoge remains a small-scale Armagnac farm grounded in hands-on craftsmanship and rural Gascon heritage.
Domaine du Cardinat
Nestled in Sarragachies in the heart of Bas‑Armagnac, Domaine du Cardinat has been family-owned since the late 19th century. Founded by Joseph Lalanne, the estate passed to his son Camille in 1935, who began planting vines and led the domaine for over 70 years, selling mostly by word of mouth.
Today, the modest 5-hectare estate is managed by Camille’s daughter Patricia Singh and her husband Malkeet Singh. Returning home from a corporate career in the late 2000s, Patricia now oversees vineyard operations, while Malkeet manages the cellar. Their focus is on precision and stewardship at every stage of production.
All grapes are estate-grown and distilled on-site using a traditional mobile alembic still. Each single-vintage Armagnac begins aging in new oak before transitioning to older barrels, with detailed attention given to the development of each eau-de-vie. Annual production is extremely limited—only about five barrels—allowing for total control and artisanal care.
Patricia and Malkeet personally manage every step, from harvest to bottling. Domaine du Cardinat’s releases reflect generations of tradition, small-scale craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the terroir of Bas‑Armagnac.
Domaine de Jean-Bon
Located in Toujouse, in the heart of Bas‑Armagnac, Domaine de Jean‑Bon has been a family-run estate since 1905. Today, Béatrice Sourdois Lacourt and her daughter Clémence represent the fourth generation to manage the property and its Armagnac production.
The 50-hectare farm includes 6.5 hectares of primarily Baco vines, the signature grape of Bas‑Armagnac. The remainder is dedicated to traditional Gascon mixed farming—sunflowers, corn, and livestock—preserving its deep agricultural roots. The estate’s name honors a previous generation when three brothers named Jean lived on the property; one, affectionately known as “Jean-Bon” (meaning "Good Jean"), lent his nickname to the domaine.
Distillation is done on-site with a traditional mobile alembic still, and the eaux-de-vie age in 400-liter oak barrels within a rustic, dirt-floored cellar ideal for slow, steady maturation. With annual production limited to just four to eight barrels, every step—from vineyard to bottling—is managed personally by the family.
Domaine de Jean‑Bon remains deeply connected to its heritage, producing Armagnac in small batches with precision, pride, and a strong sense of place in the Gascon countryside.
Maison Aurian
Maison Aurian, founded in 1880 by Joseph Dupeyron in the historic Armagnac town of Condom, lies at the heart of the Ténarèze region. Long a hub for Armagnac trade and culture, the house remained in the Aurian family for generations before Florent and Isabella Soulhol acquired it in 2018.
The Soulhols have revitalized the house with a focus on craftsmanship and innovation while honoring its heritage. Their approach emphasizes precise cask management, tailoring aging techniques to the character of each eau-de-vie. Armagnacs mature in century-old cellars, with stocks dating back to 1900.
A highlight is Maison Aurian’s paradise room, where rare and exceptional Armagnacs rest in glass demijohns after barrel aging has stopped. Some are more than 100 years old, creating a living archive of the house’s legacy.
Maison Aurian is a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, anchored in one of Armagnac’s most important towns.
Domaine du Carpoulat
Located in Fources, a medieval bastide village, Domaine du Carpoulat is a sprawling vineyard in the Ténarèze region of Gascony. This region is known for its clay-limestone soils that contribute to the full-bodied character of its Armagnacs.
In the early 1970s, Yves Duflo, a former banana plantation manager from the Caribbean, purchased the property and under his ownership, the estate began producing Armagnac. Duflo's dedication to quality was evident in his decision to retain older Armagnac barrels rather than sell them to eager buyers. This practice allowed the estate to develop a unique and rich inventory of aged spirits over time.
In the mid-1990s, Duflo hired Jean-Jacques Bordes as cellar master. Following Duflo's passing, Bordes continued to manage the estate until his retirement in 2024, when he passed the responsibility to his son, Florient. Florient now resides on the property with his family, demonstrating a deep commitment to the estate's legacy.
Domaine du Carpoulat's Armagnac production is characterized by traditional methods, with a focus on preserving the unique characteristics of the Ténarèze terroir. The Bordes family's extensive knowledge and passion for Armagnac production have deeply influenced the estate's quality and history over the decades.
Domaine Séailles
Founded in 1961, Domaine Séailles is a family-owned estate in Mouchan, at the heart of the Ténarèze region of Armagnac. Established by lawyer Jean Labérenne, the domaine originally planted Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes for Armagnac production. Since 1997, the vineyard has been planted exclusively with Ugni Blanc.
In 1998, Domaine Séailles became one of the region’s pioneers in organic viticulture, earning Ecocert certification. Their farming philosophy emphasizes biodiversity, soil health, and long-term sustainability, and they are also pursuing NOP certification to meet international standards.
Today, the estate is run by Julien Franclet, who began as an oenology intern and succeeded Jean in 2016. Distillation is done using a traditional traveling alambic still brought onsite each harvest. The Armagnac is aged in French oak barrels, many crafted by local cooper Francis Miquel. The estate’s entire barrel stock is less than 200, including a limited quantity of vintages dating back to the 1970s.
Surrounded by historic sites like Château de Laressingle and the Abbaye de Flaran, Domaine Séailles remains deeply rooted in tradition. It continues to produce small quantities of expressive, estate-grown Armagnac that embody the authenticity and character of Ténarèze.
J. Damblat Armagnac
J. Damblat is the historic Armagnac label from a family-run company rooted in the Gascony region. In the early 1980s, Jean-Claude Havion—who had worked for the Damblat Armagnac house in the Gers—had the opportunity to take over the brand.
Jean-Claude worked closely with his sons Samuel and Lionel, who took over the business after his passing. Samuel, now the cellar master, has carried on the family’s deep connection to Armagnac and the traditions of sourcing and aging that define J. Damblat. Today, Samuel and his son continue the legacy with dedication to the heritage of Gascon spirits.
Although J. Damblat does not produce Armagnac themselves, they maintain a significant and historic role as aging and bottling specialists. Their multi-room cellar houses a wide-ranging collection of Armagnac casks sourced from all three subregions: Bas-Armagnac, Ténarèze, and Haut-Armagnac. These barrels span many decades and even include casks from domaines that no longer produce Armagnac, preserving rare pieces of regional history. The cellar is like a living, breathing museum of Armagnac, where tradition, memory, and craftsmanship converge in every cask they steward.
Domaine de Marquestau
Domaine de Marquestau is an 18th-century estate in Hontanx, in the heart of Bas-Armagnac. In 2013, four close friends—viticulturist Jean-Michel Lamothe, rugby player Julien Tastet, bullfighter Thomas Dufau, and commercial director Sébastien Sarrade—revived the historic property.
Today, the 13-hectare estate includes 8 hectares of Baco for Armagnac and 5 hectares for wine varieties. Distillation takes place on-site with a traditional traveling alembic still, using estate-grown grapes to maintain control over quality.
Three cellars, each with different humidity and microclimates, provide varied aging conditions. With annual production limited to roughly 15–20 barrels, the estate maintains an artisanal, hands-on approach.
Domaine de Marquestau combines historic Bas-Armagnac methods with a contemporary perspective on wine, food, and hospitality.
Ferme de Bacoge
Located in Hontanx in the heart of Bas-Armagnac, Ferme de Bacoge is a historic farm estate dating to around 1760. Christian Bergerot learned vineyard management and cellar operations alongside André Labarbe before taking over the property in the early 1990s.
Traditionally a mixed-use farm, Bacoge combined viticulture, cereal farming, and duck breeding for foie gras. Foie gras production was later discontinued so the estate could focus its attention on Armagnac and agriculture.
The estate cultivates its own grapes, primarily Baco, and distills on-site using a traditional traveling alembic. Three small cellars provide different humidity and temperature profiles, while each vintage ages in a single new toasted oak barrel—a relatively uncommon approach in Armagnac.
Ferme de Bacoge remains a small-scale Armagnac farm grounded in hands-on craftsmanship and rural Gascon heritage.
