Château de Laubade

Introduction

Château de Laubade is recognized as one of the premier distilleries producing Armagnac, situated in the heart of the Bas Armagnac region in France. Founded in 1870, the estate spans 105 hectares (260 acres) of a single vineyard, making it the largest continuous property dedicated exclusively to Armagnac production. This family-owned estate, now managed by the Lesgourgues family, has become synonymous with excellence, tradition, and craftsmanship.

The ethos of Château de Laubade revolves around preserving traditional distillation methods while embracing innovations that enhance the quality and complexity of their spirits. They produce a range of Armagnacs, including the VSOP, XO, and rare vintage editions such as their renowned 1943 Bas Armagnac. The distillery is particularly noted for its unique blends, crafted from traditional grape varieties such as Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, Colombard, and Baco, each contributing distinctive characteristics to their products. Noteworthy for its intensive aging process, Château de Laubade’s spirits develop rich flavors, including those of orange peel, grilled bread, and floral nuances, which have earned the estate numerous accolades and recognition in the spirits community.

Additionally, Château de Laubade offers a product called « Blanche d’Armagnac, » which is a fresh, aromatic eau-de-vie known for its smooth finish and well-balanced profile. This commitment to quality, combined with a focus on terroir, has positioned Château de Laubade as a benchmark distillery in the Armagnac category, recognized not only for its exceptional spirits but also its cultural contributions, including art installations that enrich the visitor experience.

History

Château de Laubade was founded in 1870 by Baron François de Laubade, who had a vision to create a distinguished producer of Armagnac in the historic region of Gascony. Since its inception, the estate has remained family-owned, with the Lesgourgues family taking over in 1974. The third generation of the family currently oversees operations, continuing the legacy established over a century ago. One of the hallmarks of Château de Laubade’s history is its unwavering dedication to quality. In the early years, the estate focused on developing its vineyards and refining its distillation techniques. Key milestones include the recognition of its commitment to purity and traditional methods, leading to its designation as a ‘World Class Distillery.’ Over the decades, Château de Laubade has adapted and innovated, responding to changing consumer preferences while maintaining its roots in the traditional craft of Armagnac production. Throughout its rich history, the estate has released numerous notable vintages, some of which have garnered prestigious awards due to their exceptional quality. The introduction of limited-edition selections, innovative blends, and single varietal expressions has further established Château de Laubade’s reputation in the competitive spirits market. Today, the distillery is celebrated not only for its high-quality Armagnacs but also for its contributions to the art of distillation, ensuring that the flavors of the region continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.

Geography

Château de Laubade is strategically located in Sorbets, in the Gers department of France, an area renowned for its unique terroir ideal for Armagnac production. The estate benefits from the rich, siliceous soils known as ‘boulbenes,’ which are composed of fine sand that allows the grapevines to thrive, producing high-quality fruit essential for exceptional distillation. The climate in this region is characterized by warm summers and mild winters, with sufficient rainfall to nourish the vineyards. This climatic condition influences the grape maturation process, allowing for a rich diversity of flavors to develop in the fruit. The proximity to the Adour River also provides a beneficial microclimate, contributing to the distinctive characteristics of the Armagnacs produced here. Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic landscapes, Château de Laubade’s vineyards are planted in a single block, which aids in the management of quality and consistency across their production. The geographical setting not only enhances the growing conditions for the grape varieties but also enriches the overall character of their spirits, reflecting the essence of Bas Armagnac in every bottle.

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