Château de Hontambère
Château de Hontambère can be found on maps of the Armagnac region since at least 1834. The name Hontambère is derived from reference to the beautifully restored fountain, the source for which has long been known to locals for its exceptional purity.
Located in the Ténarèze sub region of Armagnac, Hontambère expresses the subtle, smooth, and perfumed style that is the hallmark of the best Armagnacs of this region. Combining this local knowledge with a detailed understanding of the Château’s different terroirs has allowed specially selected vines to be grown and harvested in a way that brings out the very best in Armagnac under the expert guidance of oenologist, distiller, and cellar master Sylvain Lafargue.
Passion and know-how. Straight from the cask. No additives, no colouring. No adulteration, just pure craftsmanship. That is Hontambère’s philosophy with respect to both the Armagnacs it creates as well as the ones it selects. No compromise. Every glass is meant to be an experience on its own, every sparkle a prism of intrinsic richness
Terroir: sandy, silty soil with limestone and clay typical to the Ténarèze region.
Grapes: Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Baco and Folle Blanche across the domain’s 103 acres of vineyards.
Distillation: distilled to between 60%-65% ABV in the domain’s 100 year-old Armagnac Alembic.
Aging: aged in new 420 liter French oak barrels. Sylvain uses mostly fine and extra-fine grain barrels with a light chauffe (toasting) which are usually used by French winemakers. Each barrel is aged separately (not mixed) so each cask is a single grape, single cask.
Château de Hontambère Blanche
Grapes: Folle Blanche, Ugni Blanc, Baco, Colombard
Distilled in an 100 year-old Armagnacais alembic
Aged for 5 months in a stainless steel tank
Bottled at 50% ABV
The label features a painting “Four Blue Orbs” by classically-trained artist and Heavenly Spirits co-owner, Daniel Cooney and was chosen by the team at Hontambère as a visual representation of the four classic Armagnac grape varieties used to create their Blanche Armagnac.
Very expressive nose with aromas of apple, banana, and pear with secondary floral notes. The palate is very round and powerful, distinctly fruity with flavors of apple, banana and pear and a floral finish. A light, delicate, crystalline fruit bomb.
Château de Hontambère Ténarèze XO
Carefully selected by cellar master Sylvain, these precious cask-strength elixirs are bottled with care on the domain in order to preserve the spirit of each barrel.
No alteration of the color, no dilution, no additives whatsoever, not even water; no filtration nor reduction. Unbiased, unadulterated, unprecedented. The true nobility of a 700 year old product, made even greater with advanced craftsmanship.
With great aromatic richness, this Extra Old develops a bouquet of vanilla and plum, delicately wooded flavors and balanced ageing. This Armagnac upholds all the promise and character of the Hontambère Domain. Bottled at cask strength 53.2%.
REVIEWS
Gold Medal (San Francisco Spirits Competition 2024)
Rare Armagnac Collection by Hontambère
Rare Armagnac Collection by Hontambère gives unprecedented access to one-off bottlings of Armagnacs from small producers, not previously available to those outside of the region – or even sometimes outside of the family. Our commitment to the traditions and people of this region and years of careful, patient work has given us access to the finest of these small lots of hand made artisanal Armagnacs now proudly released under the Rare Armagnac Collection.
The region of Armagnac lies in the heart of "la France Profonde." It is one of the few remaining truly rural parts of France which have preserved their authenticity, reflected in the Armagnac itself, which remains largely untouched by the modern fast pace of life. Local Artisans still respect the patient work of time that transforms youthful spirit into beautifully complex and rounded Armagnac after years resting in the ancient cellars of their tiny domaines.
The Armagnacs selected for the Rare Armagnac Collection are produced in tiny quantities by local families, using the same methods that have been handed down through generations for over 700 years.
Ténarèze Armagnac Vintage 1985
Tasting Highlights
Barrel No. H7
100% Ugni Blanc grapes
Number of bottles: 400
Cask strength: 56.6%
Bottled in 2021.
Aged in oak casks for 36 years.
Aging: Initial aging in new barrels, then transferred to wide-grained French Limousin oak. Aged in a dry cellar.
Powerful and smoky nose which transforms with aromas of prunes, undergrowth, citrus, almonds, rancio, wood, leather and fresh fruits. Structured and forceful on the palate with delicate sweetness and flavors of wood, candied fruit, figs, and coffee. Lengthy finish.
Reviews
96 points. Extraordinary/Ultimate Recommendation. Finalist:
"Enveloping the senses, the aroma reveals beeswax, vanilla beans, and delectable French pastries, complemented by soft floral nuances. On the palate, a rich and ripe experience unveils layers of complexity, with notes of sourdough, brown butter, roasted nuts, and dried berries." (Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2023)
Gold Medal: Bartender Spirits Awards 2023
Ténarèze Armagnac Vintage 1987
Tasting Highlights
Barrel No. H1
Number of bottles: 540
Cask strength: 54.2%
Bottled in 2021.
Aged in oak casks for 34 years.
This 1987 vintage was discovered lost in the corner of the cellars on one of the most traditional estates in the Ténarèze long after they ceased production.
Natural deep amber color, delicately offset by clear, hints of orange and a lifting touch of rancio.
Reviews
92 points, Excellent, Highly Recommended: “Pours a serene, deep mahogany and shows a vivid bouquet of roasted chestnuts, scorched plum, toasted orange peel, and marzipan. Chewy wood tannins caress the palate and release mature flavors of candied almond and preserved stone fruits." (Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2022)
92 points: "This is part of Hontambère’s Rare Armagnac collection, a 1987 vintage single cask from the Ténarèze region, bottled at cask strength. Cinnamon bark and cayenne heat open to juicy red fruit, finishing with a wash of vanilla and dried cherry, exiting gently spiced." (Wine Enthusiast, 2021)
Ténarèze Armagnac Vintage 1992
Tasting Highlights
Barrel No. A2
Number of bottles: 200
100% Ugni Blanc grapes
Cask strength: 50.9%
Bottled in 2024.
Aged in oak casks for 31 years.
Initial aging in new French oak barrels, then transferred to wide-grained “red” French Limousin Oak. Aged in a dry cellar.
The older Limousin barrels are “red barrels.” “When a barrel is called “Red”, a reference to the reddish color of aged wood, it has aged before other eaux-de-vie during at least 2 years up to 8 years, reaching the perfect stage of maturation for both the wood and the spirit.”
Powerful and woody with aromas of prunes and vanilla on the nose, followed by a fresh, lemony finish. The palate is round and powerful, with hints of licorice and prunes. The mid-palate is woody with flavors of ripe banana and forest floor. The finish lingers long in the mouth.
Press
-
![Banner in French flag colors with Cognac, Armagnac, and Calvados written vertically one per color]()
French Brandy: A Primer
Château de Hontambère Ténarèze XO ($130)
Happy that we’re seeing more of this Ténarèze producer in the U.S. This cask-strength XO has a classic, timeless profile. Aromas of pastry, almond paste, and baking spice, great viscous texture in the mouth, spicy and peppery at the edges, and a seamless, mineral finish. A good value introduction to Ténarèze terroir. (53.2 percent ABV)
-
![Horizontally aligned bar tools on a slate background creating a Christmas tree shape]()
Holiday Gift Guide 2024
Hontambère Ténarèze Armagnac XO, 53.2% ABV
Carefully selected by cellar master Sylvain, this cask-strength XO is bottled with care on the domain in order to preserve the spirit of each barrel. No alteration of the color, no dilution, no additives, and no filtration. Unbiased, unadulterated, unprecedented.
With great aromatic richness, this Extra Old develops a bouquet of vanilla and plum, delicately wooded flavors and balanced ageing. This Armagnac upholds all the promise and character of the Hontambère Domain. Bottled at cask strength. -
![Brandy bottles on a wooden plank table in front of a vineyard background]()
'Tis The Season for French Brandy
Consider the warmth and versatility of Armagnac, Cognac, and Calvados.
With cooler weather now upon us, it’s the perfect time to include these wonderfully versatile fruit-based spirits on your drinks menu.
-
![Preview page of French Brandy article with a bottle lineup below the title]()
Essential French Brandies: A Primer
A lot of questions abound about French brandies, especially Armagnac and Calvados. But myths and misconceptions arise even around France’s most famous Brandy export, Cognac.
-
![Black and white photo of man and woman sitting in a library and tasting cognac samples]()
Geeky French "Singles" Looking for a Good Time
“Single Casks,” That Is! Cognac, Armagnac, and Calvados Producers Join in on the Fun
-
![5 Brandy Bottles on a Light Blue background]()
5 New Brandies to Try Now From two Armagnacs to an Armenian release.
With cognac’s dominance, it can be difficult for other styles of brandy to gain visibility. But brandies from elsewhere in France, from the U.S., and from farther afield deserve attention, too. Their vibrant range of flavors and traditions show that the potential of aged grape distillates goes far beyond a single style.
-
![Close-up on armagnac bottle label]()
The Rare Armagnac Collection and its award-winning spirits
One of the romantic aspects of armagnac is its rustic nature. This craft spirit has fierce quantities of personality and individuality.
-
![French country house set in lawn and gardens with cloudy blue sky above]()
Château de Hontambère
Lovers of old bourbon and rye whiskeys have known Hontambère primarily through the Rare Armagnac Collection, in which small quantities of purchased Armagnac are published.
