Grape of the Art - Armagnac Château de Hontambère - Vintage 1985 - 36 years - Bottled in 2022 - 56.6% ABV
Grape of the Art is a renowned independent German bottler, specializing in the selection and bottling of exceptional Armagnacs. This unique house was born during a blind tasting organized by the passionate founders of the Rum & Whisky group in Stuttgart. The talented current team consists of Robert Bauer, Oliver Gerhardt, Sascha Junkert, Christian Maier, and Leonard Stumpf, all experts in the world of fine spirits. Their mission is clear: to source exclusively single cask raw Cognacs and Armagnacs, without any alteration, thus offering an authentic and rare experience to discerning enthusiasts. Theresa Plos is responsible for label creation, adopting a minimalist and sophisticated approach that highlights elegance and craftsmanship. This meticulous care positions Grape of the Art as an essential reference in the world of prestigious spirits.
Hontambère is a prestigious Armagnac originating from the famous Ténarèze region, known for the exceptional quality of its eaux-de-vie. Distilled in 1985 from the Ugni Blanc grape variety, it benefits from ancestral know-how carried out in a traditional Armagnac still designed by Pierre Laporte at the Domaine Pouchégu. This Armagnac underwent an extended aging of 36 years in a single numbered cask (#6) within a humid cellar, thus ensuring slow maturation rich in aromatic complexity. Bottled in August 2022, this exceptional vintage was limited to 350 bottles, making each bottle a rare and coveted treasure. The label, a true work of art, features an abstract representation of an ancient alchemist's laboratory, blending mystical symbols such as a skull, beakers, and spider webs, illustrating the meticulousness and magic of the creation process. This Clos des Spiritueux Armagnac embodies elegance, depth, and the unique history of traditional French spirits, captivating connoisseurs and collectors seeking authenticity and excellence.
