Although Domaine de Charron traces its origins back to the early 20th century, its journey into Armagnac production truly began decades later. In 1985, Fernand Lartigue considered uprooting the vines on his grandmother’s plot in Perquie. However, his sons, Claude and Jacques, stepped in to acquire the 2-hectare vineyard, preserving the Baco vines and reviving Armagnac production. The vineyard’s care was entrusted to a neighboring winemaker, whose expertise ensured the creation of high-quality, natural wines from the start.
Thanks to our friends at Swell de Spirits, I’ve received samples of two Domaine de Charron Armagnacs as part of a box featuring malternatives and spirits. Let’s dive into these two releases, Domaine de Charron 1996 and 2008, bottled by Swell de Spirits.
Domaine de Charron 2008 Bas-Armagnac #9 Wild Nature Series Swell de Spirits Review
Made using exclusively the Baco grape variety, this Domaine de Charron Bas-Armagnac was distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2024 by Swell de Spirits as part of their Wild Nature Series. After aging, it rested for six months in demijohns before being bottled at 50.2% ABV in 50 cl bottles. True to its natural character, it contains no artificial coloring and has not undergone chill filtration. Out of the 200 bottles produced, some are still available in select European shops, priced around €110.
Colour:
Tawny.
Nose:
Neat: Aromas of dried orange peel, exotic woods, and dark chocolate lead the way, with a hint of chili pepper eau-de-vie and fresh grape. As it opens, notes of antiseptic, camphor-infused oils, and wood varnish appear.
With water: The profile shifts to reveal classic oak tones, briefly overshadowing the exotic woods, which return moments later. A spicy floral character emerges, accompanied by eucalyptus and lemon verbena tea.
Palate:
Neat: Exotic wood takes center stage, complemented by a tangy note reminiscent of concentrated Orangina with a touch of chili pepper. A pleasant woody bitterness emerges, alongside chamomile tea, creating a velvety yet slightly fizzy mouthfeel. Dark chocolate and olive brine.
With water: The palate evolves with bright hints of lemon, chili pepper, and black pepper, joined by a refreshing eucalyptus note, mirroring the nose’s lively character.
Finish:
The spices linger beautifully, mingling with notes of wood varnish and a refreshing mentholated woody undertone. Exceptionally long and mouthwatering, it leaves a delightful tingle of white pepper on the tongue.
Comments:
Delightful nose—spicy, intense, and incredibly complex, inviting you to explore it for hours. The palate doesn’t just meet expectations; it exceeds them, seamlessly extending the aromatic nose while introducing new layers of flavor. The finish is impressively long, fresh, and spicy. A few drops of water reveal even more dimensions, unlocking unexpected notes like lemon and verbena on the nose, which gradually emerge after a moment, rather than immediately. Stunning.
Rating: 8/10
Domaine de Charron 1996 Bas-Armagnac #8 Flashback Series Swell de Spirits Review
Also distilled from the Baco grape, this Domaine de Charron 1996 was bottled in 2024 by Swell de Spirits as part of their Flashback series. A total of 200 bottles, presented in Swell’s usual 50 cl format, were filled at 48.3% ABV following a 6-month rest in demijohns. The bottling process involved no added water or chill filtration. Expect to pay for one of the 200 bottles approximately €150.
Colour:
Mahogany
Nose:
Neat: A generous bouquet of chamomile tea dominates, complemented by exotic woods and a touch of their varnish. Notes of dried orange peel and potpourri, along with all the characteristics found in the 2008. It’s notably more fruit-forward, featuring ripe peach and apricot.
With water: A few drops of water bring minimal change, maintaining the core aromas.
Palate:
Neat: A complex interplay of exotic woods, grapefruit peel, and dried orange peel leads the palate, joined by notes of chili-infused dark chocolate, chamomile tea, and dried herbs. The mouthfeel feels slightly thinner compared to the 2008, possibly due to the about 2% ABV difference, but it remains enjoyable. A hint of orange juice adds a refreshing touch.
With water: Becomes slightly sweeter, though water has minimal impact overall, keeping the core flavors intact.
Finish:
The exotic wood notes return, highlighted by touches of sandalwood, sour orange-flavored candy, and a subtle kick of chili pepper. Dried herbs and a hint of olives add depth, with the finish lingering impressively long.
Comments:
Whilst the nose felt slightly more complex than the 2008 Domaine de Charron, the palate’s mouthfeel felt thinner, and I found myself preferring the 2008 over the 1996.
